Derry is all set to sparkle this festive period with a host of events to make it a “LegenDerry” Christmas in the City of Culture.
Santa will return to Derry this Friday to switch on the city’s Christmas lights.
Tens of thousands are set to flock to the city to enjoy a wide-ranging festive programme.
Highlights include the arrival of Santa for the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights, a Festival of Trees, a Christmas Market, ice rink, the international Lumiere festival and the Turner Prize exhibition.
A key element of this year’s programme is a focus on lights and illumination and the city will be lit up as part of the Festival of Trees when over 100 trees across the city centre will sparkle to create a unique festive atmosphere.
The switch on of the Christmas will take place on Friday next, 22 November. To accommodate a larger family audience, the event will be held at Ebrington Square, the city’s cultural hub for 2013.
Special guest on the night will be Santa and musical entertainment will be provided by the Mindbenders.
The fun starts at 6.30pm with the switch on taking place at 7.00pm with entertainment continuing to 8.00pm.
The festive fun will continue the following day, Saturday 23 November, when Timmy the Elf will explore “Santa’s Toy Cupboard” in Guidhall Square.
On Sunday, 24 November, youngsters can enjoy Timmy’s Toy Trail also in Guildhall Square.
From 10 -21 December, Guildhall Square will be transformed into a traditional Christmas market with 40 traders offering a range of Christmas fayre from mince pies to mulled wine, Christmas crafts and unique festive treats.
A welcome addition to this year’s billing is “LegenDerry on Ice,” when Ebrington Square will be transformed into an ice rink from 12 December to 19 January.
John Magee of “LegenDerry on Ice” said: “We are very proud to bring ice skating to Ebrington for the first time ever in association with Ilex and during this special City of Culture year.”
The spectacular Lumière Festival of Light will cast a glow over the entire city from 28 November to 11 December when some of the city’s most iconic landmarks will light up the skies over four nights.
The Turner Prize award ceremony, to be screened live on Channel 4, will take place on 2 December while the exhibition will continue 5 January.
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