Strabane throws a festive party to celebrate Christmas lights switch on
25 November 2019
Strabane let its hair down on Saturday as thousands of people thronged the town centre for the official switch on of the town’s Christmas lights.
The event featured a Christmas Market, live music, storytelling and children’s arts and crafts as part of an action packed day of entertainment and activities.
The switch on was performed by Santa Claus along with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, who thanked everyone who performed and attended.
“The Strabane Christmas lights switch on is one of the biggest events of the year and it’s brilliant to see the town lit up for the festive season for the first time.
“Sincere thanks to all the performers and families who made it an afternoon to remember.
“The switch on marks the start of a packed Council Christmas programme that includes Strabane Christmas Fayre, The Guildhall Craft and Artisan Food Fair, my Christmas events in Strabane and Derry and the Winterland Markets in the city centre.”
The Main Stage in Abercorn Square was compered by Paul Mullen and featured guest appearances from local singers Brendan Conway, Shonagh Forbes, Carol-Ann and Lauren Mullen and Tyrone GAA All Star Cathal McShane.
The cast of Bring It On the musical also performed live community showcases from Much Ado Choir and Class Act Theatre School.
In Castle Street the Mrs Claus Storytelling Bus invited families to come along and listen to Santa’s wife tell some wonderful Christmas stories while the Christmas Market offered a wide range of unique gifts.
At the Alley Theatre Santa’s Post Office remains open for business where you can write their letters to Santa, get them stamped by the elves with their North Pole seal of approval and post them in Santa’s magical post-box which sends the letter all the way to Lapland.
In the run up to Christmas the Alley Theatre will see a whole host of events and shows as the mayor’s Magical makeshift workshop take place on the 14th December.
The full list of Christmas lights switch-ons around the District are: Ardstraw Saturday December 7th 6.30pm, Artigarvan Monday December 2nd 6.30pm, Aughabrack Sunday December 15th 7pm, Ballymagorry, Monday December 9th 7.30pm, Bready Friday November 29th 6.00pm, Castlederg Thursday November 28th 7.00pm, Clady Friday December 6th 8.00pm, Cranagh Saturday November 30th 8.00pm, Donemana Wednesday December 4th 6.30pm, Douglas Bridge Friday November 29th 7.00pm, Glebe Thursday December 5th 6.00pm, Glenmornan Sunday December 8th 5.00pm, Killen Friday December 6th 5pm, Killeter Saturday December 7th 7.30pm, Magheramason Monday December 2nd 7.00pm, Newtownstewart Thursday 5th December 6.30pm, Plumbridge Monday December 2nd 7.30pm, Sion Mills Tuesday December 3rd 7pm, Strabane Saturday November 23rd 5pm, Victoria Bridge Saturday November 30th 6.30pm.
Full details of the packed Christmas programme for Derry and Strabane are available at www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.