Press Release

City Centre Lights up for Christmas

10th November 2005

The Christmas season will officially begin in the city centre on the evening of Wednesday November 16th, as the Big Christmas lights Switch On takes place in Guildhall Square.

With just over five weeks left to the big day, this fun-filled family annual event brings the festive spirit to the City with a programme of great music and some very special guests.

From 6.30pm the James McPeake band will take to the open-air stage to get everyone in to the party mood in preparation for the big switch on. At 7.10pm BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson will take to the stage to introduce the Mayor, Councillor Lynn Fleming as she delivers her Christmas message.

She will joined by a host of characters from the City’s two pantomimes and Miss Teen Derry in preparation for the annual lookout to see where Santa Claus himself is hiding around the City walls. Will the spotlights manage to capture the elusive special guest this year?

At half past seven, it’s countdown time, as Santa Claus, together with help from the Mayor, to light the city centre in a blaze of multicoloured decorations.

Looking forward to the event, Mayor Councillor Lynn Fleming said,

“The annual switch on attracts thousands of people into Guildhall Square each year for an evening of great entertainment and excitement as Santa Claus himself makes a visit. The City’s Christmas lights bring a touch of Christmas magic to the City Centre throughout the festive season and I look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors to the City over the next coming weeks.”

The music and entertainment will continue until 8.30pm with music from the James McPeake Band. This popular Belfast based 5-piece are well known in the North West area and are renowned for their unique selection of 60s, 70s and 80s hits and entertaining costume changes that include musical impersonations of stars such as Tom Jones, Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Elvis.

This free family event is brought to you with Seasons Greetings from Derry City Council.

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page