Castlebellingham Christmas light ceremony brings festive cheer

The welcome return of the Castlebellingham Light Ceremony came with great excitement to the local community of Castlebellingham and Kilsaran.

The event kickstarted the Christmas excitement with local residents taking to the streets of Castlebellingham to switch on the Christmas lights.

The lighting ceremony began with small stalls set up for all ages, outside the Mill.

The smell of mulled wine and hot chocolate filled the marquee alongside freshly baked mince pies consuming the square of Castlebellingham.

The dark winters night was lifted by the bright lights of the carnival amusements which were packed with cheering children. Next to the teacups were the main sponsors, Connect Credit Union who handed out over 200 Christmas goodies bags to the local children.

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Stealing the show of course, was Santa Claus, who flew into the village on his three-wheeler motorbike and fantastically lit slay. Queues quickly formed on the footpath as every child received a Christmas present and picture with Santa!

There was a wonderful atmosphere on a cold, crisp night in the village and the centrepiece was the Christmas carols, sang by the children of Kilsaran National School.

The Christmas lights were turned on at 6 o’clock and were soon followed by an illumination of red, green, and gold fireworks to conclude the Christmas ceremony.

The cost of staging the event was graciously sponsored by Connect Credit Union, a spokesperson said.

This continues a long tradition for Connect Credit Union of supporting a wide variety of local community events, and charities.

The ethos of the credit union sector, as a not-for-profit, is never more evident than at Christmas, when they lend their support to communities.

Norman McDonnell, CEO of Connect Credit Union paid tribute to the leadership shown by James Connolly, Jimmy Byrne and local volunteers who helped to bring the festive spirit to the village of Castlebellingham, saying “local people coming together and putting in the work to put on an event like this is what community is all about”.

“Every year the volunteers put on a fantastic lights ceremony, and we are delighted once again to be a part of that!”