Performing Art Students to Showcase Talents at Lisburn Christmas Light Switch On

The festive season is just around the corner, and ‘Christmas is Coming’ to Lisburn city centre on 21st November when the annual Switching On of the Christmas lights will take place in Market Square, Lisburn from 6.00pm.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is looking forward to seeing thousands enjoy this popular family event which will include a parade, pre-parade entertainment and for the first time ever a mini funfair in Smithfield Square aimed at the younger audience.

Pre-parade entertainment showcasing South Eastern Regional College (SERC)’s performing arts students commences at 6.00pm as they distribute giveaways to the crowd and provide festive characters around the city centre.  On stage activities will also begin at 6.00pm with Lisburn Community Children’s Choir.

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. Lisburn city centre will sparkle with over one million lights to mark the start of the Lisburn Castlereagh festive season. 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, and event updates. #LisburnChristmas

The Mayor, Councillor Alan Givan, 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. There will be a festive atmosphere on the evening with a variety of entertainers and a mini funfair.  SPARK will return once again to Lisburn beating their drums as they glow in white light; and residents will get to hear them twice as they will play before the parade and then lead the parade which this year leaves from Christ Church.  Families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the night from 6.00pm”

The Parade will leave Christ Church, move along Smithfield Street, Market Place, Bow Street, Market Square, Market Street and return to Christ Church via Smithfield Street.

Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added: "Local young people from across the Lisburn Castlereagh area will take part in the Lantern Parade, carrying their homemade lanterns, accompanied by professional carnival performers. We hope our residents will enjoy our additional festive activities including a puppet show and funfair in Smithfield Square, which may be more suitable for those with young children or children who are uncomfortable in crowded spaces.”

Ballymacash Primary School, Tonagh Primary School, 1st Granshaw Boys' Brigade, 1st Granshaw Girls' Brigade, Carr Primary School and Wallace Prep will participate in 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, Market Square and Smithfield Square. Bow Street Mall Car Park and council owned car parks are free of charge from 6.00pm.

For further information please contact the Council on 028 9250 9558.