03/11/2014

Belfast Counts Down To Christmas

Belfast Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon has announced children's TV characters Ben and Holly will be switching on the city’s Christmas Lights on Saturday 15 November.

The lineup will also include CBeebies favourite Mr Bloom, along with his veggie friends and Santa Claus.

Cinemagic actress Zena Donnelly will perform the final song from the upcoming movie 'A Christmas Star'.

The Christmas Lights Switch On starts at 18:45 and will be a ticketed event. Free tickets will be available at Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, 9 Donegall Square North from 09:00 on Wednesday 5 November.

Speaking at today’s launch, the Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon said: "We have a wonderful line up of family entertainment this year and it promises to be a great night for everyone to enjoy the official start to Christmas. The Belfast Continental Market opens at 12 noon on the same day, so Saturday 15 November will be a great day out in Belfast for the young and the young at heart."

Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden, who will compere on the night, said: "Christmas is without doubt my favourite time of the year so it is an honour to be involved at the big Christmas lights switch on in Belfast. The night will be lots of fun for all the family and our special guests including Santa will make it magical."

The City Hall Illumination Project will again provide a lighting show on the night. The low-energy LED floodlights on the facade, main dome and turrets will be illuminated in a variety of colours and combinations.

Tickets, which are limited to a maximum of four per person, can be collected in person or booked online at www.visit-belfast.com. Tickets booked online must be collected before 5pm on Thursday 13 November.

(IT/CD)

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