BBC Radio Ulster DJ Alan Simpson will be joined by Narnia stilt walking characters as they weave through the crowds in St Patrick’s Square as they await the arrival of Santa, Mrs Claus and the little elves from the Starshine dance group, who have scheduled a special to visit Downpatrick! Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the free Narnia themed face painting provided by local art and design students from Downpatrick South Eastern Regional College as you are transformed into your favourite Narnia character!

Don’t forget to book your place at The Saint Patrick Centre this Christmas, which will once again pay tribute to the wonderful legacy of CS Lewis, by transforming its entire exhibition space into scenes from this beloved series of children’s books, The Chronicles of Narnia. From 30 November – 24 December children will be taken on an exciting journey through this mythical land, visiting the lamp post in the snowy wood, hear extracts of the stories told by characters from the books, cross a frozen waterfall and write their letters to Santa in the cosy Beaver’s Lodge. They will then pass through The Snow Queens Ice Palace and have the opportunity to sit on her throne before meeting Santa, Rudolph and their helpers.

After a very busy year of planning, hard work and lots of excitement Down Arts Centre is finally ready to open its doors for the festive season on Thursday 1 December. After the Christmas lights switch-on in St Patrick’s Square, follow the Snow Queen to Scotch Street to listen to the sound of festival brass and wander through the Christmas exhibition in the gallery from 8.00pm. Other key events on offer include ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Candlelight on Saturday 3 December at 8.00pm and The McPeake Band Christmas concert on Friday 9 December at 8.00pm. With plenty more fabulous festive fun on offer Down Arts Centre is returning with a bang this December!

Down County Museum are also encouraging children to walk in the footsteps of the evacuees, Lucy, Peter, Edmund and Susan, and take the opportunity to crack some World War ll codes. You can book your place directly on 028 4461 5218. Other great events which will shake off the winter chill include the Pantomime ‘Hanseand Gretel’, The Lapland Express and the Christmas Fair at Ballydugan Mill. Every Sunday from 4 December up until Christmas the snug bar in Denvir’s will be transformed into Santa’s Grotto giving children the opportunity to come and meet Santa!

Across the district Santa will be arriving in Ardglass on Friday 2 December, Saintfield on Monday 5 December and Newcastle on Saturday 3 December, so don’t miss your opportunity to meet him!

For a FREE copy of the festival programme, contact Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 or check out www.downdc.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals