On Saturday, Strabane town centre became a lively vibrant place as shoppers and visitors braved the inclement weather conditions to enjoy the Christmas lights switch-on.
Street artists in the town in the shape of an Ice Queen and Snow King, Scallywags clown, and elves of all sizes entertained shoppers in the town.
This influx of strange and mystical characters were meeting and greeting young people both inside and outside the shops while younger children were delighted with the face painter and Barron Top Farm reindeer who helped create the festive atmosphere and reminds us that Christmas is only four weeks away.
The shoppers were encouraged into the festive spirit with Strabane Concert Brass Band entertaining the crowds before the Q101 mega blaster got their broadcast underway.
The U3A choir pulled out all stops by entertaining the crowds in a more traditional music spirit while dressed in Victorian style, they really added to the event both on and off stage as they moved through town in their colourful period costumes.
Other acts which added to the Christmas spirit included Stella's Drama Academy with their very own version of 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' followed by the young people from Puddle alley's Drama Group who give the crowds a resounding preview from their forthcoming show the Sound of Musicals to the delight of the gathering crowds.
All this local talent mixed with professional musicians Barba Papa ensured the crowds were in fine tune to greet the television celebrity, Jack. P. Shepard better known as David Platt of Coronation Street. The Strabane folks give him a rapturous welcome and cheered as this talented young actor let them into some of the secrets on the future of his story line in the long running TV soap.
Following this performance Santa's special sleigh arrived lead by St Joseph's Brass Band and the children from Caroline's Dance Academy and Stella's Drama Academy performed as Santa's little helpers adding to the pomp and ceremony of the pageant.
With Santa safety delivered to the stage our two special guests were joined by Martin French, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Gerard Foley, Chairman of Strabane Council, to welcome visitors to the town and remind people to support the town by shopping locally this Christmas. Santa and David then carried out their main duties and together switched on the town's lights to the cheers of the waiting crowds. David moved to front of stage to greet the Corrie fans while Santa's headed to his Grotto to meet impatient young folks keen to request their Christmas gifts.
Santa's winter wonderland in the Library offers for small groups a chance to use this facility for story telling or to meet with their own special seasonal visitor. This can be arranged through Jean Smyth at the Council on 028 71382204
