The Lord Mayor, Alderman Glenn Barr was filled with comfort and joy when he paid a visit to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Relaxed Christmas Experience at the Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown.
The Relaxed Christmas Experience, which was designed for children with sensory processing issues, autism or special educational needs and their families, took place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December and offered the opportunity for the children to enjoy all the magic and wonder of the festive season in a calm and supportive environment.
Visitors to the experience were guided on their journey through a winter wonderland by the North Star Elf to meet with Father Christmas who presented each with a special gift before being invited to enter a sensory room and enjoy a range of festive activities including arts and crafts, multi-sensory installations, a virtual reality headset and the opportunity to write and post your own Christmas letter through the North Star mailbox while enjoying a hot chocolate and some tasty treats!
Speaking at his visit the Lord Mayor said, “It was such a privilege to be invited to the Relaxed Christmas and witness for myself the happiness and wonderment the event gave to all those who came along.
“Christmas is such a magical time for children and the sense of sheer joy I seen on the faces of the children and their families was a delightful and heart-warming experience I will always cherish.
“My thanks goes to all those involved in making this special event happen and especially to Santa Claus and his team of Elves who created such a personal and enchanting atmosphere to each and every one who came along.”
