ANB Council u-turns on Christmas cuts, keeps all seven switch-on events

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has decided against cutting Christmas festivities, opting instead to retain light switch-on events across the borough.

At a meeting in Mossley Mill on Monday evening (29 September), councillors voted to put on hold a proposal to reduce the programme to just three “flagship” events in Antrim town centre, V36 at The Valley in Newtownabbey, and Ballyclare.

Since 2018, the council has delivered a Christmas light switch-on in each of the borough’s seven district electoral areas. However, officials had suggested scaling back the programme this year, citing costs and clashes with other community events.

Airport Alliance Councillor Andrew McAuley expressed concern at the timing of the proposal, saying:

“I am concerned this report is very close to Christmas. The changes are quite significant. They are also going to have quite an impact on some areas, not least shops and facilities that rely on footfall, which is not good at the best of times, never mind Christmas.”

It was further suggested that live streaming of civic switch-ons — which costs £10,000 — be discontinued.

Last year’s Christmas programme drew 12,100 visitors across the borough at a cost of £101,222.

The biggest turnouts were recorded in Ballyclare and Hazelbank Park (2,500 each), followed by Randalstown, Antrim, and Glengormley (2,000 each), Crumlin (800), and Mossley Mill (300).

Cllr McAuley proposed an amendment to retain all seven events this year, with a review of future arrangements to be carried out in the New Year by a dedicated working group. He also recommended dropping the livestreaming element.

Threemilewater DUP Councillor Mark Cooper BEM supported the amendment, noting the importance of footfall for local businesses.

Airport Sinn Féin Councillor Annemarie Logue also backed the move, stressing the community impact of the events:

“I totally agree. The civic Christmas light switch-on events bring families together, make a difference to communities and create memories for children that last a lifetime.

“To withdraw funding now would withdraw community spirit and create a public relations disaster for this council.”

She suggested that external funding opportunities could be explored to support future events.

Former mayor and Antrim Alliance Councillor Neill Kelly, who attended all seven switch-ons last year, said the running order could be refreshed and suggested holding Antrim’s event on a Saturday evening instead.

Dunsilly Ulster Unionist Councillor Stewart Wilson questioned the fairness of scaling back Randalstown’s switch-on, arguing:

“When push comes to shove, it is rural residents pushed under the bus due to a postcode lottery.”

Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown added that local schools and community groups often plan their own activities around the timing of the civic events.

Councillors ultimately agreed to retain the full civic Christmas programme for 2025, while discontinuing livestreaming.