Press Release

Emmerdale’s Debbie to Dazzle Derry this Christmas

Monday, 13 November 2006

Watch the city be transformed into a winter wonderland as the Mayor, with the help of Emmerdale’s Charley Webb, better known as Debbie Dingle, officially switches on the Christmas lights on Wednesday 22nd November.

The fun starts at 6.30pm as the city’s Christmas festivities are officially launched with popular Radio Foyle presenter Mark Patterson acting as host for the evening!

Thousands are expected to fill the city and join in the festivities with music from the James Peake Xperience to get everyone in the party mood! The five-piece are well known in the north west with their range of 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music. They’ll appear in the guise of such all time greats as Tom Jones, Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Elvis.

Also joining in with the party will be the Derry City Football Team as they look back on an amazing sporting year! The panto stars of the Millennium Forum’s Christmas performance of Cinderella will also make a guest appearance.

As she prepares to deliver her Christmas message, the Mayor, Councillor Helen Quigley said:

“Christmas is a magical time and for us the message of peace and goodwill to all has never been more appropriate. Thousands of people will visit the city this Christmas and we want them to feel welcome.

“We are also offering the hand of friendship to the many new communities who are now calling Derry home. While not everyone living in the city is part of the Christian tradition, we want to extend the ethos behind our traditions to everyone living here. I hope everyone will join me in offering seasonal good wishes to all our new communities and visitors in the city and region at this time.”

Then the person everyone’s been waiting for - Santa himself will arrive at Guildhall Square to officially mark the start of the Christmas season.

Speaking exclusively to Derry City Council from his magical workshop in the North Pole, Santa said he was looking forward to visiting Derry as he prepares for Christmas.

“This is the most exciting and busy time of the year for me. I love Christmas and I know there are millions of boys and girls all around the world who’ll be expecting me on Christmas Eve and I can’t disappoint them.

“But the boys and girls living in the Derry City Council area are very high up on my list and I can’t wait to see them all in Guildhall Square when I help the Mayor switch on the Christmas tree lights.

“I hope everyone in the city has a lovely Christmas and I’m looking forward to seeing them in Guildhall Square. Happy Christmas everyone!”

The big Christmas switch on will take place at 7.35pm when the Mayor and Santa turn on the Christmas tree lights. The music and celebrations will continue until 8.15pm.

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

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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