Slideshow: One Direction tribute play at Carrick switch on

One Direction tribute band, One and Only Direction, performed on stage before the Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston helped young Madison McKinney switch on the festive lights.
Earlier the first citizen addressed the civic carol service in St Nicholas Church of Ireland, which was led by Reverend George Davison and featured CWA Brass and Eden and Victoria Primary Schools.

Reviewing 2914, he said: “The past year has seen some notable highlights in the borough. In particular, the Giro d’Italia cycle race which saw upwards of 35,000 people in attendance in the borough according to police figures. Again, Armed Forces Day was an incredible success for the borough including the grand unveiling of the Churchill tank in Marine Gardens.

“The borough also staged one of the largest commemorative events in Northern Ireland to mark the commencement of the First World War.

“Carrickfergus Borough Council continues to win accolades for which I am immensely proud. Recently Carrickfergus Marina retained the prestigious Five Gold Anchor Awards. I was also delighted that both Carrickfergus and Whitehead won Silver Gilt Awards in Europe’s premier horticultural awards, Britain in Bloom.

“The volunteers at Carrickfergus Museum and Andrew Jackson Cottage only this week became the proud regional award for engaging museum audiences presented by the British Museum and the Marsh Christian Trust.

“I would like to wish all residents of the borough a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. At the same time, I would like us all to think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves at this special time of year.”

Speaking of his immense pride at being the “last” Mayor of Carrickfergus in advance of amalgamation with Ballymena and Larne, Mr Johnston finished by wishing “Mid and East Antrim Council well going forward from next April”.

(Christmas lights ceremony photographs overleaf)