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14/11/2006
Best and McLarnon to switch on Belfast's lights
Thousands of people are expected to pack into Belfast city centre next week, to herald the official start of Belfast’s Christmas season.
Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy will be joined by former Atomic Kitten singer Liz McClarnon and TV star Calum Best to switch on the city’s Christmas lights on November 21.
The Lord Mayor formally announced details of this year’s ‘Celebrate Belfast’ Christmas programme as the Christmas tree – a 40-foot Norway spruce from Lough Navar in County Fermanagh – was set into place outside the City Hall earlier today.
He said: “Every year, about 15,000 people pack into the area in front of City Hall for the switching on of the Christmas lights: it’s a great night for all the family, and we always have a packed programme of entertainment.
“Over the years, we have attracted many top stars to perform at Belfast’s switch on, and 2006 most definitely is no exception, as I am delighted to say that the highlight of this year’s event will be a personal appearance by the former Atomic Kitten, now a solo star in her own right, Liz McClarnon, who will perform a selection of her hits.
“And we’re equally delighted to announce that our special guest compère for the evening will be Calum Best, son of our very own footballing legend George – and who, in a few short years, has become as big a heart throb as his dad.”
Speaking in advance of the switch on, Calum Best expressed his own joy at taking part in the annual ceremony.
He said: “It is a real honour for me to come back to my dad’s home town and help start off Belfast’s Christmas celebrations. It should be a truly fantastic evening and I look forward to everyone in Belfast coming down and enjoying the party.”
Cool Fm's Pete Snodden, will get the show on the road at around 6.30pm, playing popular festive hits. Pete will be followed by dance troupe, The Belfast City Belles – also known as the Belfast Giants’ cheerleading squad, The G Crew.
The children from St. Malachy’s Primary School will serenade the crowds with a selection of Christmas favourites, while characters from this year’s pantomime, ‘Aladdin’, at the Waterfront Hall will amuse the crowd and add to the festive atmosphere.
Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy will be joined by former Atomic Kitten singer Liz McClarnon and TV star Calum Best to switch on the city’s Christmas lights on November 21.
The Lord Mayor formally announced details of this year’s ‘Celebrate Belfast’ Christmas programme as the Christmas tree – a 40-foot Norway spruce from Lough Navar in County Fermanagh – was set into place outside the City Hall earlier today.
He said: “Every year, about 15,000 people pack into the area in front of City Hall for the switching on of the Christmas lights: it’s a great night for all the family, and we always have a packed programme of entertainment.
“Over the years, we have attracted many top stars to perform at Belfast’s switch on, and 2006 most definitely is no exception, as I am delighted to say that the highlight of this year’s event will be a personal appearance by the former Atomic Kitten, now a solo star in her own right, Liz McClarnon, who will perform a selection of her hits.
“And we’re equally delighted to announce that our special guest compère for the evening will be Calum Best, son of our very own footballing legend George – and who, in a few short years, has become as big a heart throb as his dad.”
Speaking in advance of the switch on, Calum Best expressed his own joy at taking part in the annual ceremony.
He said: “It is a real honour for me to come back to my dad’s home town and help start off Belfast’s Christmas celebrations. It should be a truly fantastic evening and I look forward to everyone in Belfast coming down and enjoying the party.”
Cool Fm's Pete Snodden, will get the show on the road at around 6.30pm, playing popular festive hits. Pete will be followed by dance troupe, The Belfast City Belles – also known as the Belfast Giants’ cheerleading squad, The G Crew.
The children from St. Malachy’s Primary School will serenade the crowds with a selection of Christmas favourites, while characters from this year’s pantomime, ‘Aladdin’, at the Waterfront Hall will amuse the crowd and add to the festive atmosphere.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, rather cloudy, but some sunny spells, best of these in the afternoon. A few showers spread south from late morning, turning wintry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 5 °C.Tonight:A cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
