Lisburn Switched On for Christmas
November 5, 2018
With Christmas just around the corner, the festive season will start with the annual Switching On of the Christmas lights on Thursday 22nd November in Market Square, Lisburn from 6.00pm.
The Council is looking forward to seeing thousands enjoy this ever popular annual family event including a parade, which this year is themed ‘The Lion, the Switch-On and the Wardrobe’.
Pre-parade entertainment showcasing South Eastern Regional College’s performing arts students who will be distributing giveaways to the crowd and festive characters around the City Centre will commence at 6.00pm, followed by on stage activities including Lisburn Community Children's Choir at 6.30pm.
A lantern parade involving local schoolchildren and youth groups will parade through the City Centre from approx. 7.00pm and arrive at the stage area around 7.15pm. The brand-new Lisburn Light Festival will also be part of this year's event and over one million lights will sparkle along Bow Street.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter accounts in the run up to the event to see information on our Switch-On Competition, event updates and information on the Lisburn Light Festival. #LisburnChristmas
The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, speaking about the event, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming thousands to this annual event; and switching on the City’s Christmas Lights with Santa.
"This year, new festive lights have been installed within the City Centre and will make a spectacular display when switched on as part of this event.
"The Switch-On and Lisburn Lights Festival will provide a festive atmosphere on the evening. Families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the night from 6.00pm,” said Councillor Mackin.
The Parade will leave Bow Street Mall, move up Antrim Street and along Bow Street before continuing round the City Centre, along Market Place and back to Bow Street Mall.
Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added: "Local young people from across the Council area will take part in the Lantern Parade, carrying their homemade lanterns, accompanied by professional carnival performers."
1st Granshaw Boys' Brigade, Granshaw Girls' Brigade, Ballymacash Primary School, Largymore Primary School, Carr Primary School and Tonagh Primary School will be part of the Parade.
In addition Santa Claus will make an appearance to wish all the boys and girls a very Merry Christmas.
If you are attending the Switch-On, please park in one of the City Centre car parks before joining the festivities in Bow Street and Market Square. The Graham Gardens Car Park is offering FREE parking to anyone coming along after 5.00pm to have a bite to eat or do some shopping before enjoying the Switch-On. Or if you plan to join us for the event start time then Bow Street Mall Car Park and all the Council owned car parks will also be free of charge from 6.00pm.
For further information please contact the Council on 028 9250 9558.