ONE of the highlights of Christmas in the North West will take place in a virtual setting this year when Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, performs the festive lights switch-ons by magic in Derry and Strabane, alongside Santa Claus.
The event traditionally attracts tens of thousands of families to the centre of Derry and Strabane but it will be broadcast online this year to allow the public to enjoy it from the safety of their homes.
The switch-ons will take place on Saturday November 21st at 5pm in Strabane and in Derry on Sunday November 22nd at 5pm and will be broadcast live on derrystrabane.com/christmas and the Mayor’s social media accounts.
The event will mark the start of Council’s Christmas Programming for 2020 which includes the Mayor’s Virtual Christmas Tea Dance and online Christmas activities for families.
“The turning on of our Christmas lights is normally one of our biggest events of the year, marking the beginning of the festive season,” said Mayor Tierney.
“While current restrictions mean we can’t gather physically to mark it, I am delighted that families can still experience the lights being turned on together in their homes before making a trip into our retail centres over the festive season to view them safely for themselves.
“The kids are sure to enjoy this magical virtual story and see the adventures along the way, of how my journey with Santa Claus’ journey unfolded in order to get to the town and city in time to light them up for Christmas.
“Despite the restrictions, Council officers have designed an innovative programme of events that will allow the public to celebrate Christmas safely and enhance the visitor and shopper offering in Derry and Strabane.
“This year has presented unprecedented challenges for local businesses, many of whom have been closed or are operating at a limited capacity, so I would appreciate if the public can make a particularly conscious effort to support them by shopping and gifting local this Christmas.”
Derry and Strabane’s Christmas programming will begin on Saturday, November 21, and continue through to December 16 focusing on key weekends throughout the period.
Council has invested in additional Christmas lights and trees which have been erected in communities throughout the District.
Some of the lights may be temporarily turned on before the official switch on for testing and to allow for filming of the virtual event.
“The programme is designed to complement the existing calendar of events at this festive time, enhancing the visitor and shopper experience while drawing on the District’s rich built and cultural heritage,” explained Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter.
“Programming is focused on creating the space for shared inclusive celebration around the Christmas period.
“In tandem with a strong marketing campaign, it aims to maximise the economic opportunities while also creating a memorable experience for citizens and visitors.
“The marketing campaign will focus on Support Local, Made Local and Gift Local messages in order to promote a culturally rich Christmas experience.”
The full series of Christmas videos will be available at derrystrabane.com/Christmas
For more detailed information and updates on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s family-friendly Christmas programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
