City getting into the festive swing

The city is looking amazing thanks to the recent instalment of additional Christmas illuminations and there is a real festive atmosphere with people out and about attending festive events and getting ready for Christmas.

The market, now in its second week, has been proving popular with shoppers who are interested in browsing through some of the creative stalls selling Christmas gifts or those keen to experience the many culinary treats on offer.

The bar and recreational area is also proving popular, particularly with those on their Christmas night-out , who are calling in for a continental beer or a traditional mulled wine.

The Market is open daily until Saturday, December 22, and in addition to the stalls there is a vintage funfair and a Santa’s Grotto and the chance to get your picture taken from inside a Snow Globe.

Families are also reminded that Santa’s Post Box is still open for all the boys and girls to post their letters to Santa. Remember to put your address on the letter so it will reach the North Pole in time to get a reply from Santa!

For those of you keen to experience some festive music, a series of events are taking place in the city in the run up to Christmas including the Churches Trust One City One Voice Carol Service and Living Nativity next Wednesday, December 19 at 7pm at the Urban Park at Foyle Street, just opposite the Guildhall.

And on Sunday, December 16, the Colmcille Ladies Choir will present The Sister Aloysius Memorial Concert at the Playhouse Theatre – a special performance in memory of the late Sr. Aloysius McVeigh, well known iconographer and artist in residence.

Panto lovers are in for a real treat with two local performances in the city, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which runs until January 5 at the Millennium Forum and the Grove Theatre Group’s adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk which is currently running until December 21 at the Waterside Theatre.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens- the traditional Christmas tale of Scrooge, a miser haunted by three spirits, will be on show from tomorrow (Thursday December 13) until Saturday, while Christmas with the King, the ultimate Elvis tribute, takes place at the Millennium Forum on December 14.

The Christmas with The Priests concert featuring the brothers Fathers Eugene and Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy, will be at the Millennium Forum on December 21.

With family and friends expected home for Christmas and the New Year, the public are reminded that Derry City Council is organizing a special New Year’s Eve family celebration.

The celebratory event will take place along the Riverfront at Queen’s Quay, commencing from 7.50 pm and 8.30pm to include a special fireworks and pyrotechnic show. More details to follow on www.festivetime.com