Menu
14/11/2011
Christmas Tree Arrives In Belfast
Fun for all the family is guaranteed at the start of Belfast's Christmas celebrations this coming weekend.
Children’s television favourites Justin Fletcher, Postman Pat and Fireman Sam will enthral pre-schoolers and the young at heart when they are special guests at the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights on Saturday.
They will join Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile to kick off the festive season in celebratory style. Belfast’s longest serving pantomime dame, May McFettridge, and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden will comperé the event this Saturday.
The Mayor formally announced details of this year’s Christmas programme as the Christmas tree – a 16 metre, or 53.5 feet, tall Norway spruce from Augher in County Tyrone – was moved into position outside the City Hall this morning.
"The switching on of the Christmas lights is always a great night for all the family, and this year promises to be just that little bit special, especially with the event once again taking place on a Saturday evening,” said Councillor Ó Donnghaile.
"I am particularly delighted that this year we will be joined by some of the biggest names in children’s television.
"Christmas is an exciting time for children, and our line up is sure to delight young children as they see their favourite characters perform live in Belfast – and for free.”
Top children’s television presenter Justin Fletcher – star of ‘Justin’s House’ and ‘Something Special’ will bring his own special brand of zaniness to the celebrations, which begin at 6pm.
The star said: "I am very much looking forward to coming to Belfast to help switch on the lights! Get ready for some singing and dancing with my new song, 'Hands Up', too! See you all soon!"
Helping him to keep the kiddies and their parents entertained will be fellow TV favourites, Postman Pat – who celebrates his 30th birthday this year and is about to star in his first movie – and Fireman Sam, who both will be performing ’mini shows’; showing why they’re as popular as ever.
Special guest compere for the evening will be Cool FM’s Pete Snodden. Having become a father for the first time in March of this year, Pete said that he was especially looking forward to Christmas 2011: "The switching on of the lights is the signal that Christmas is officially here, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of this special moment: it’s like being a kid again – but then, I’m just a big kid anyway!"
Also joining in the hour-long programme will be Belfast’s longest serving pantomime dame, May McFettridge – who celebrates her 22nd consecutive year on the stage of the Grand Opera House when ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’ opens on 3 December - and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
The annual Belfast City Council Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday 19 November, with the entertainment programme beginning at 6pm.
During the day shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in and around the city centre will be helping shoppers get in the festive mood with in store music and entertainment.
(BMcC/GK)
Children’s television favourites Justin Fletcher, Postman Pat and Fireman Sam will enthral pre-schoolers and the young at heart when they are special guests at the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights on Saturday.
They will join Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile to kick off the festive season in celebratory style. Belfast’s longest serving pantomime dame, May McFettridge, and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden will comperé the event this Saturday.
The Mayor formally announced details of this year’s Christmas programme as the Christmas tree – a 16 metre, or 53.5 feet, tall Norway spruce from Augher in County Tyrone – was moved into position outside the City Hall this morning.
"The switching on of the Christmas lights is always a great night for all the family, and this year promises to be just that little bit special, especially with the event once again taking place on a Saturday evening,” said Councillor Ó Donnghaile.
"I am particularly delighted that this year we will be joined by some of the biggest names in children’s television.
"Christmas is an exciting time for children, and our line up is sure to delight young children as they see their favourite characters perform live in Belfast – and for free.”
Top children’s television presenter Justin Fletcher – star of ‘Justin’s House’ and ‘Something Special’ will bring his own special brand of zaniness to the celebrations, which begin at 6pm.
The star said: "I am very much looking forward to coming to Belfast to help switch on the lights! Get ready for some singing and dancing with my new song, 'Hands Up', too! See you all soon!"
Helping him to keep the kiddies and their parents entertained will be fellow TV favourites, Postman Pat – who celebrates his 30th birthday this year and is about to star in his first movie – and Fireman Sam, who both will be performing ’mini shows’; showing why they’re as popular as ever.
Special guest compere for the evening will be Cool FM’s Pete Snodden. Having become a father for the first time in March of this year, Pete said that he was especially looking forward to Christmas 2011: "The switching on of the lights is the signal that Christmas is officially here, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of this special moment: it’s like being a kid again – but then, I’m just a big kid anyway!"
Also joining in the hour-long programme will be Belfast’s longest serving pantomime dame, May McFettridge – who celebrates her 22nd consecutive year on the stage of the Grand Opera House when ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’ opens on 3 December - and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
The annual Belfast City Council Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday 19 November, with the entertainment programme beginning at 6pm.
During the day shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in and around the city centre will be helping shoppers get in the festive mood with in store music and entertainment.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2023
Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch-On Announced
Ards and North Down (AND) Borough Council has announced their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place in Conway Square this Saturday 25 November. Organised in partnership with Ards Chamber of Trade, there will be plenty of buzz in the town as the Christmas market returns, together with festive entertainment.
Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch-On Announced
Ards and North Down (AND) Borough Council has announced their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place in Conway Square this Saturday 25 November. Organised in partnership with Ards Chamber of Trade, there will be plenty of buzz in the town as the Christmas market returns, together with festive entertainment.
18 November 2011
Festive Belfast Opens For Business
Belfast's Christmas celebrations start tomorrow evening with children's television favourites Justin Fletcher, Postman Pat and Fireman Sam set to enthral pre-schoolers and the young at heart when they are special guests at the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights.
Festive Belfast Opens For Business
Belfast's Christmas celebrations start tomorrow evening with children's television favourites Justin Fletcher, Postman Pat and Fireman Sam set to enthral pre-schoolers and the young at heart when they are special guests at the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights.
05 November 2019
Titanic Belfast Launches Search For A Little Star
The search is on for a lucky child to help get Christmas underway at Titanic Belfast. The festive illuminations will burst into life on Sunday 24 November with the official illumination ceremony followed by an array of activities for families to enjoy.
Titanic Belfast Launches Search For A Little Star
The search is on for a lucky child to help get Christmas underway at Titanic Belfast. The festive illuminations will burst into life on Sunday 24 November with the official illumination ceremony followed by an array of activities for families to enjoy.
12 December 2008
'Happy Christmas', Says McGimpsey
There was festive cheer - of sorts - yesterday as the Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey encouraged everyone to enjoy the festive period, but to do it both sensibly and safely.
'Happy Christmas', Says McGimpsey
There was festive cheer - of sorts - yesterday as the Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey encouraged everyone to enjoy the festive period, but to do it both sensibly and safely.
16 November 2021
Belfast City Council Launches 'Buy Belfast' Initiative
A new initiative has been established to help more than 80 Belfast businesses to share and sell their products to thousands of virtual shoppers. The 'Buy Belfast' Virtual Christmas Market was launched as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and is open for business until Monday 20 December.
Belfast City Council Launches 'Buy Belfast' Initiative
A new initiative has been established to help more than 80 Belfast businesses to share and sell their products to thousands of virtual shoppers. The 'Buy Belfast' Virtual Christmas Market was launched as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and is open for business until Monday 20 December.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
