A free park and ride service is to operate in Derry this evening as the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights is expected to attract its biggest crowd ever.
A section of the large crowd at last year’s Chistmas lights switch on.
Thousands are expected to give Santa a warm winter welcome when he arrives at Ebrington Square in the Waterside to throw the switch on the festive illuminations at 7.00pm.
Entertainment gets underway at 6.30pm with live music by the Mindbenders.
The event has been moved across the River Foyle from its usual loction at Guildhall Square to accommodate the anticipated increased numbers attending.
Those intending to go along are being urged to avail of the free park and ride service operating in the Waterside to help limit traffic congestion.
Paul Rafferty, from Derry City Council, said: “The switch on is one of the most popular events of the year and we anticipate that thousands of parents and children will be coming along to join in the celebrations.
“To help make things easier on the night we would recommend that those who are planning to access the Square from the Waterside should use the park and ride service, which will provide free and easy access to and from the event.”
The service will operate from a “terminus” on Limavady Road between 5.30pm and 9.00pm.
The Peace Bridge will remain open so people can avail of the usual parking facilities in the city centre and walk over the bridge to the event.
However, anyone who is not attending the event but wishes to cross the bridge immediately before or after the event have been advised to expect some short delays.
Mr Rafferty said any such delays would be kept to the minimum necessary for safe movement of crowds over the bridge.
He added: “I would urge everyone to wrap up warm and get there a bit early to guarantee finding a good spot, and enjoy the live music and festive fun before Santa arrives.”
Car parking restrictions to facilitate the event have already been put in place.
No parking is being until 9.00pm on St Columb’s Road and Browning Drive and in the car parks located immediately on the left and right hand side of the entry to St Columb’s Park from Browning Drive.
Motorists are reminded normal on-street parking restrictions will be in place and that they should avoid parking anywhere where they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access routes.
Due to the large numbers of people who will cross the Foyle Embankment, motorists are also advised to expect some delays in this area before and after the event.
There will be restricted vehicular access to St Columb’s Road and Browning Drive from 5.00pm onwards, with barriers at the entrance to St Columb’s Road.
This area will be controlled by stewards with PSNI assistance for traffic flow on Limavady Road.
Vehicular access will be limited to Browning Drive residents and visitors, allotment holders and staff and residents of St Columb’s Park House.
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