Bangor Christmas Switch On THIS WEEKEND!

16th November 2021

Christmas festivities in Ards and North Down get into gear this Saturday, 20 November, when Santa will be joined by renowned singer and performer, Peter Corry, for the Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On!

There is a change of location for the main switch on event this year. It will take place at 6pm outside the former Danske Bank building on Main Street, opposite Central Avenue. A host of themed attractions will be available throughout the day as people come together to celebrate the festive season in the seaside town.

Supported by Bangor Chamber of Commerce and Main Street My Street, there will be something for everyone as Bangor prepares to countdown to Christmas 2021. Themed markets, a lantern parade led by Santa, performances from Peter Corry, and other entertainment will take place from 9am until 9pm.

Markets and Music

Lots of festive treats will be on offer at Christmas stalls situated along lower Main Street and at the McKee Clock Arena from 9am-6pm. The market will feature more than 60 stalls of artisan foods, crafts and variety, providing the perfect place to start Christmas shopping.

Meanwhile, at Mill Row, the Urban Market will have its first ‘Mill Row Bazaar’ running from 5-9pm and offering around 30 stalls serving seasonal beverages and hot food, while talented buskers add to the atmosphere.

A music stage outside Trinity Church will bring some additional festive spirit to Main Street, with Jackie Rainey and the Sweet Beats, plus a local DJ, all providing entertainment throughout the day before the main event.

Lantern Parade & Switch On

At 5.30pm, around 100 local children will bring a beautiful procession of light to the festivities as they form an angel themed Lantern Parade to follow behind Santa, together with some of the cast of South Eastern Regional College’s panto company. The Parade will leave Abbey Church Hall before proceeding down Abbey Street and Upper Main Street, arriving outside the former Danske Bank building for the big Christmas switch on at 6pm!

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks, said:

“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone come together this Christmas. Bangor is the first of a number of switch-on events in our Borough this year. It will be a lot of fun for all the family and will give everyone an opportunity to support our local traders after what has been a difficult period. I am sure it will put everyone in the mood for Christmas!”

Made in AND Christmas Shop

There will be lots of other activities in Bangor during the Christmas period. North Down Museum’s ‘Made in AND Christmas Shop’ will take place from Wednesday 24 November until Sunday 2 January. Open from 10am-4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, as well as 12noon-4pm on Sundays, all of the Museum’s contemporary galleries will be transformed into a shopper’s paradise featuring handmade items from local makers and crafters.

Craft Workshops

A number of craft workshops will take place in Bangor during November and December. You can create your own illuminated Christmas chalet on Thursday 25 November, 7-9pm, using an easy-to-assemble wooden chalet kit.

Alternatively, create your own Christmas centrepiece on Thursday 2 December, 7-9pm, when professional interior stylists will show you how to create a stunning seasonal centrepiece with fresh and faux foliage. Tickets for all workshops are priced from £55 and are available from ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

For information about all Christmas events in the Borough, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/christmas.

Photo caption: The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks, with Kendal Burridge of Sostrene Grene who created the Bangor shop's Christmas window display. (Image: Ian Pedlow)