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A new Christmas Light Switch-On format by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been hailed as a resounding success, with thousands taking to Hill Street and Bank Parade in Newry for the annual official start of the Christmas Season in the City. This year instead of just concentrating in Marcus Square activities took place all the way from Hill Street to Newry Town Hall.
Starting the event off was the annual Santa Run organised by the Southern Area Hospice. No shortage of Santa's took to Hill Street to take part in the challenge with a FD Technologies staff member making it home first.
Ultimately it was an event for all the family with absolutely no shortage of things to do for the childer and plenty for the grown ups too. Funfair rides galore, train spins, baloon art, crafts and music from DJ Cú Chulainn for the younger folk and a beautiful Christmas vibe from the main stage where headliner Brian Kennedy raised the spirits singing along with the amazing Uplifted Gospel Choir and Emily Flanagan. Outstanding performances from Shane McGirr and a heartwarming gig from St Catherine's Concert Band all added to the night.
A new Christmas Market in Newry Town Hall also proved very popular and that wasn't only because of the free mulled wine at the door from Magees Bar and the uplifting music from the Casino Jazz Band. There was no shortage of ways to spend your money with an incredible variety of Stalls including hampers from William Baird Butchers, framed photographs from Ruari Outdoors, Candles from Bolster Community and hand cut coin jewellery from Coin Craft amongst many others.
Of course there was only one main man at last nights celebrations and that was young Alfie Pentony who even upstaged the white bearded man himself. Ten year old Alfie is living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which can be very life limiting but last night was a time to enjoy as he switched on the Christmas Tree lights while Santa Claus and Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Valerie Harte looked on.
Also looking on from the nearby First Derivatives office was 16 year old Daniel Greer who recently had to undergo more chemotherapy, with leukaemia returning following a bone marrow transplant. Daniel has been through so much and his family ask you to keep him in your prayers.
Well done to all involved in last nights event.
Check out our photographs at christmaslights23andsantarun
