Titanic Belfast partners with Mencap NI for spectacular Christmas lights switch-on
- Love Ballymena
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Some very important guests from local charity partner Mencap NI, helped Father Christmas illuminate the building during its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. Andrej Nelepcu (2), Mencap Ambassador Dr James Martin MBE, Finn Holland (14) and Charlie Thompson (1) along with their families and the Chief Toymaker, helped Father Christmas press the button to light up the spectacular chandelier and festive lights around the building!
TITANIC Belfast launched its festive season in style on Sunday 23rd November, with a special Christmas Lights Switch-On event featuring guests from local charity Mencap NI.
Hundreds of visitors attended the free, sold-out event to witness Father Christmas make a dramatic entrance, abseiling into the Grand Atrium of the world-renowned visitor attraction. The countdown then saw the iconic chandelier and festive lights illuminate the building, marking the start of the holiday season.
The celebrations continued throughout the afternoon in the Titanic Suite, offering families free entertainment including an Elf Academy, carnival games, festive mini golf, and a Jingle Jam disco.
Thirty service users from Mencap, along with their families, were given an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated ‘A Magical Christmas Experience’, opening to the public on Friday 28th November and running until Tuesday 23rd December.
This year’s attraction features a new immersive journey to the North Pole, with festive favourites such as the Magical Wishing Tree, the Elves’ Workshop, Mrs Claus’s storytelling, letter-writing to Santa, arts and crafts, and the chance to meet Father Christmas himself after checking the Naughty or Nice list.
Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast, commented:
“Christmas at Titanic Belfast is always a very special time and we were delighted to welcome so many families to our annual light switch-on and see everyone enjoy the festivities.
“Father Christmas made a memorable entrance by abseiling into the Grand Atrium, and we were especially pleased to partner with local charity Mencap, whose vital work supports people with a learning disability and their families across Northern Ireland. Their involvement helped to make this year’s celebration as inclusive and meaningful as possible.”
Gráinne Close, Mencap Director for Northern Ireland, added:
“What a way to kick-off the Christmas celebrations, we were excited to be part of Titanic Belfast’s festivities this year and it did not disappoint! Christmas is a time for bringing people together and events like this mean so much to the individuals and families we support, including them within these festive celebrations and getting an exclusive preview of A Magical Christmas Experience was in fact that – magical!”
Alongside A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast will host its Festive Afternoon Tea in the Titanic Suite, featuring the stunning Grand Staircase, on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December.
Tickets are available for adults and children, with time slots from 12 noon to 3.45pm.
The festive programme will culminate on Sunday 21st December with A Cappella Christmas, a choral evening with Cappella Caeciliana celebrating the season in perfect harmony.
For further information or to book tickets for A Magical Christmas Experience, Festive Afternoon Tea, or A Cappella Christmas, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.