Countdown To Christkindl Festival Launch in Downpatrick

DOWNPATRICK will sparkle this festive season with a brand new bespoke lighting scheme and the biggest Christmas tree ever seen in the town providing the perfect backdrop for what is set to be the most magical evening.

Join us on Thursday 1st December for the official switch on of the Christmas lights at 6.30pm in St Patrick's Square marking the beginning of the Christkindl Festival. This will launch a wonderful series of festive events across Down district during the month of December and offer you the opportunity to fill your Christmas stockings for the entire family!

Down District Council, Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran launches the Christkindl Festival Programme on the newly completed steps leading down to St. Patrick's Square with a little help from Santa and his elves from the Starshine Dance Group. (Top Row L-R Aodhan Caldwell and Molly McGeown. Second Row L-R Tiger Lily Crane, Emily Small, Kathleen Madden, Ellie Kerr and Rosie Kerr. Front Row L-R Shauna Graham, Katie Waddell and Eoghan Lemoine)

A Free Festival Programme is available from our Festival Office on 028 4461 2233 or visit www.facebook.com/DownFestivals | www.downdc.gov.uk

St Patrick's Square will come alive with Narnia characters as some of the UK and Ireland's leading stilt performers weave through the enchanted crowds. Why not join in with the magical fun and become your favourite Narnia character with free themed face painting by local art and design students from Downpatrick South Eastern Regional College?

BBC Radio Ulster DJ Alan Simpson will host the evening event on 1st December, entertaining the crowds with his banter and craic as he guides you through the fabulous festive fun on offer. Come and be dazzled by the Starshine dance group who will have the crowds bopping the night away.

This will be followed by Saint Patrick's Youth Theatre who will perform dramatic extracts from the musical 'Oliver'. 'The Professionals', Ireland's freshest and youngest band currently taking the country's music scene by storm will get the crowds in Downpatrick feeling merry this Christmas with their enthusiastic and entertaining performance. With plenty of other musical entertainment on offer this is one Christmas lights switch on you won't want to miss out on.

From Wednesday 30th November to Saturday 24th December, The Saint Patrick Centre will once again create the magical land of Narnia in search of Santa's Grotto. Children are invited to walk through the doors of the wardrobe and find themselves in the mythical land of Narnia encountering characters from the story including Mr Tumnus and can visit the cosy Beavers' Lodge where they will write letters to Santa. This enchanting experience is a must for every child this festive season. Pre-booking is essential so please contact 028 4461 9000 for further details.

Then we will have c21 Theatre Company presenting 'Hansel and Gretel', at The Great Hall in Downshire Estate, on Friday 2nd December. So don't miss out and remember to book on 028 4461 2233.

The ever popular Lapland Express returns to County Down Railway, Downpatrick on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, and every Saturday and Sunday until 18 December. Children will have the opportunity to board the steam train and enjoy a journey with Santa. For full details visit www.downrail.co.uk.

Ballydugan Mill will be the venue for a fabulous Christmas Fair on Sunday 4th December. Enjoy the Apex jazz band and a host of family entertainment. Children can visit Santa's Grotto and get a free gift at Denvir's Snug Bar every Sunday from 4th December to 18th December, plus kids can eat free on those dates, so it's sure to be a winner.

Down County Museum have lots in store for everyone including the chance to join in with the Narnia theme through 'Children of the Blitz' on Saturday 26th November and Saturday 3rd and 17th December.

You can walk in the footsteps of the evacuees Lucy, Edmond, Peter and Susan before they discovered Narnia. You will also have an opportunity to crack World War II codes! Pre-booking is essential so don't forget to book. Also, the annual 'Christmas at the old Gaol' will be on Saturday 10th December, which will be a great festive day for all the family featuring crafts, demonstrations, festive food, seasonal music and cheer!

Down Cathedral will once again play host to the Down High and the Community Carol Service are on Monday 19th and Friday 24th December.

With so much happening, check out the details of all the events in this year's Christkindl Festival. Contact the Festival Hotline on 028 4461 2233... or visit www.downdc.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/DownFestivals