Excitement building in North Sligo
CHRISTMAS has already started at Drumcliffe Parish Church as preparations get underway for the annual Drumcliffe Christmas Tree and Craft Festival. The festival which is building upon a successful 2016 event is taking place at Drumcliffe Church and grounds between the 6 th and 10 th of December.
Approximately 65 Christmas Trees will be erected and displayed throughout the iconic North Sligo church, which attracts 180,000 visitors annually. Organisations such as disability services, local schools, and scouting and youth groups are amongst those who are preparing trees.
The event will open Wednesday evening at 6pm for limited viewing, and continue daily Thursday through Sunday (11am - 9pm). An opening school choir service, comprising of various Sligo schools will take place on Thursday evening at 8pm. The festival will close with a community carol service with special guests from the Co. Fermanagh Letterbreen Silver Band and various local groups which will take place on Sunday evening at 7.30pm. The committee advises all those interested in attending to arrive early for both services as spaces will be limited.
Rector of Drumcliffe Church Isaac Hanna describes the event as a “highlight in the churches calendar” and one which “enables the Christmas story to be shared with the thousands of people who attend the growing festival yearly”. Isaac also added that even those who don’t attend have a chance to partake as the festival and services would be streamed live around the globe.
As with last year, the festival will also see over 30 traders sell their wares in a specifically erected marquee – so there is certainly going to be something for all the family. Santa Clause himself will be onsite with times shortly to be confirmed with Mrs Clause. The committee hopes to share these via the Festivals Facebook page in due course.
In addition an outdoor live crib will be erected, which should prove to be a favourite with both children and adults alike. Jill Barber and her team at Drumcliffe Tea House are also eagerly preparing for the festival and promise to have a wide array of home baked treats and Christmas items available.
All this coupled with a selec- tion of musical and Christmas Services will ensure this will be an event not to be missed.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the local Samaritans office and various other worthy causes. The organising committee expect that last year’s visitors numbers of 6,000 will be exceeded and hope to have a shuttle bus running between Rathcormac and Drumcliffe during the peak times throughout Saturday and Sunday. For further information on the event check the twitter handle @drumcliffeCOI or the Facebook event page ‘Drumcliffe Christmas Tree and Craft Festival’.