Belfast councillors have agreed to a return of the Christmas tree countdown and festive lights switch-on event as part of the city’s celebrations this year following a wave of criticism from the public.
Last December the council spread the city lights switch-on across the city, with music and lighting and animation at various venues. There was a stage set up on Donegall Place on the night of the switch-on, and 2 Royal Avenue became a new venue for Christmas events.
Councillors at City Hall were told by council officers the traditional Xmas tree switch-on event had been discontinued for “health and safety” reasons. While the range of activities were generally lauded by elected representatives, some questioned the dismissal of the count down and switch on, which was last performed in front of City Hall in 2018.
