The bells of Ballymena fall silent for panto... oh yes they do!
A TOWN hall clock has fallen silent in the run-up to Christmas so the chimes don’t interfere with a local pantomime.
The bells of the clock from the landmark building in Ballymena can usually be heard ringing out across the town, but next week all will be quiet.
However, the familiar chimes will be back in action to herald Christmas Day.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “The town hall chimes will be hushed this year — oh yes they will — so as not to disturb our festive panto performances of Puss In Boots (left). “Our council elves have already tied up the ropes and there will be silent nights in Ballymena until the final pantomime performance on December 22.
“The chimes will be back in action to ring in Christmas.”
Ballymena newsagent Eugene Diamond said the chimes were a well-known and popular feature of the town.
However, he was sure nobody would take offence at them being switched off for just a short period of time.
He said: “Although it does maybe sound a bit strange not hearing the chimes for a few days, it is good that people are enjoying themselves at the town hall with the panto.
“Having said that, I’m glad to hear that the chimes will be back on to ring in Christmas Day and the New Year.”
Councillor Audrey Wales said: “I think people will support the fact that the ‘elves’ have tied up the ropes.
“We don’t want to spoil the panto for the children and I welcome the fact that they will be on again to ring in Christmas Day.
“I would like to wish our citizens a very happy Christmas and a very happy, prosperous and peaceful new year”.