BELFAST will light up for Christmas at the annual lights switch-on at City Hall on Saturday, November 14.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, will be joined on stage by Bauer Media’s Cool FM presenters Stuart Robinson and Melissa Riddell for a packed evening of festive fun, energy and excitement for all the family.
Organised by Belfast City Council, free tickets will be available from visitbelfast.com, on a first-come-first-served basis, from 10am next Tuesday 3 November, with a second release of tickets available from 7pm on the same evening. There will be a limit of five tickets per booking.
Councillor Donnelly said: “I’m looking forward to marking the start of the festive season with a fantastic line-up of seasonal performances and family entertainment.
“A choir from my own former primary school, Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, will open the show, and The Shamrocks will be joined on stage by Avenue Arts Academy for a special performance of ‘Christmas in Belfast’ - a nod to how Belfast celebrated together this summer, and inviting everyone to come in and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly with Santa’s elf Candy Plum and youngster Farrah
“Tumble Circus, Belvoir Players and The MAC will all share extracts from their seasonal circus, panto and theatre productions, the award-winning Quire Community Choir will share a classic Christmas song from the movies and there will also be a beautiful performance by Doogan Dance from the timeless festive ballet, The Nutcracker.
“Tickets for our switch-on event are always super popular, so make sure to book early and come and watch the city light up for Christmas.”
The Belfast Christmas Market will open at 12 noon on Saturday 14 November with the same layout as previous years, while the city’s Christmas tree will once again form part of the festive experience at City Hall.
A six-week programme of music and street performances is also set to entertain shoppers and visitors across the city centre, with further details to be announced soon as part of the council’s upcoming Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign.
Stuart Robinson, Content Director, Bauer Audio Northern Ireland, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be back hosting Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on this year, alongside Melissa Riddell. There is no doubt it is a highlight in the city’s calendar for everyone – including those who appear on the stage!
“Over the years, many of our local stars have cited the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on as a standout memory – recently, Brian Kennedy told me that performing on stage with Van Morrison and President Clinton in 1995 was the highlight of his career.
“There is a truly unique atmosphere to Belfast at Christmas and, having been the first presenter to play and champion the Shamrock’s ‘Christmas in Belfast’ on the radio last year, it feels like a lovely full circle moment to share the stage again. I really can’t think of a better or more apt way to ring in the official start of Belfast’s festive season.”
The switch-on event will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the event starting at 6.30pm.
City centre road closures will be in effect from earlier in the afternoon, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys.
A wheelchair accessible viewing platform will also be available, with tickets limited to two per booking.
Tickets can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 on Tuesday, November 3 from 10am.
And, for those who prefer a quieter event, a sensory switch-on will take place in 2 Royal Avenue, also on Saturday, November 14 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Activities include snow-based sensory play, Christmas characters and lighting up the tree inside the venue. No tickets are required.
For further details of Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on event, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmaslights.
