Details on Carrick’s festive programme

Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the plans include an Ulster Scots-themed family fun day and a discount booklet for traders.

The Carrickfergus Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday November 14 from 1pm - 6pm, incorporating the Civic Carol Service in St Nicholas’ Church at 3.30pm.

Prior to this, a number of local acts will take to the stage including Cameoflage, Uplift Performing Arts group and the Royal Tara School of Irish Dance.

Street entertainment will include face painting, a giant inflatable snow man, balloon modelling and a moveable trike featuring two elves along with a real reindeer and sleigh.

The lights switch on will be carried out by the Mayor at 5.30pm and the afternoon’s entertainment will conclude with a 15-minute fireworks display at 5.45pm, viewable from the promenade, Castle Green and the harbour car park.

Saturday November 28 will see a family fun day with a strong heritage-based theme that showcases Ulster-Scots arts, culture, and history through historical re-enactment, musical entertainment, story-telling, children’s arts and crafts, and traditional artisans and craftsmen at work.

The event takes place both within the castle and on Castle Green.

On Saturday 5, 12 and 19 December, there will be silver band entertainment in the town centre, with festive characters on walkabout.

A grotto will run in the De Courcy Centre from November 12 until Christmas.

Meanwhile, a discount booklet is being developed to includes all town centre events over the November and December period, as well as giving traders an opportunity to advertise any offers or promotions they may be doing over these months.

The booklet will be distributed in early November.

Speaking at Monday night’s meeting of the Economic Growth and Development Committee, chairperson Councillor Audrey Wales encouraged elected members to attend as many of the festive events in their communities as possible.