Family fun aplenty at Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On!
Bangor is set to get into that festive spirit and ‘switch on’ for Christmas with the annual Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 23 November!
There will be something for everyone in the bustling seaside town including a festive market, roller disco, Christmas crafts, a spectacular firework display and lots more as Bangor prepares to countdown to Christmas 2019!
Lots of Christmas treats will be on offer at the McKee Clock Arena from 12noon to 7pm with a Festive Christmas Market, organised by Bangor Chamber of Commerce. With over 20 market stalls selling artisan foods and local crafts, this is the perfect spot to kick off some early Christmas shopping.
Entertaining the crowds from 3.30pm until 4.30pm will be Ards CCE, performing traditional and festive tunes. Why not grab a hot drink and soak up the Christmas atmosphere at Project 24 on Queen’s Parade from 12noon until 4.30pm, or for the more energetic revellers, kick off the festive cheer by booking your 30-minute roller skating slot for the ‘Rock Around the Roller Disco’. Tickets (£1 child and £2 for adult) must be pre-booked - visit ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.
Main Street My Street has arranged a day of family fun with face painting, balloon modelling and Christmas crafts on Main Street – plus you can look out for The Snowman and The Snowdog who will be appearing at intervals throughout the day!
There will also be Christmas carols performed by local school choirs between 1pm and 3pm at Translink Bus and Rail Station.
Lantern Parade, Switch On & Fireworks
At 5.15pm around 100 local children will bring a procession of light to this year’s festivities as they form a Lantern Parade to follow behind Santa and the Mayor. They will make their way from the Town Hall to the McKee Clock for the big Christmas switch on at 5.30pm.
The Mayor will join Santa and The Snowman™ and The Snowdog at the McKee Clock Arena to light up Bangor’s Christmas tree at 5.30pm and this will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Christmas Craft Market at the Museum
North Down Museum’s Christmas Craft Market will also take place on Saturday 23 November from 10am – 4.30pm and Sunday 24 November from 12noon – 4.30pm. A popular event on the shopping calendar, the market will be packed with local artists and crafters providing an array of handmade goods, ideal for those special stocking fillers.
Come along and browse the stalls which will be dotted around the historical museum building. Live music on both days will add to the Christmas atmosphere.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said: “There is always something magical about this time of year so get your hats and scarves at the ready and be sure not to miss this fun, family event which is guaranteed to put everyone living, working and visiting our towns and high streets in the mood for Christmas.”
For information about all Christmas events in the Borough see visitardsandnorthdown.com/christmas.