Elected Members approve Derry and Strabane’s Christmas programming for 2024
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Christmas lights switch on events in Derry and Strabane in November and the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances in the Guildhall and St Patrick’s Hall in Strabane are among the highlights.
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Hide AdThe schedule begins on Friday, November 22 with the Guildhall Craft Fair and Derry Christmas Lights Switch-on before the Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-on the following evening on Saturday, November 23.
The lights in Derry will be turned on following a Christmas Procession through the city centre led by the Mayor and Santa Claus along with festive characters and Christmas themed mobile installations.
In Strabane, the switch on event will feature a full day of activity including festive animation, live music, choirs and local dance throughout the town centre.
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Hide Ad“The overall programming for both Derry and Strabane will focus on bringing local and visiting communities together and creating the space for shared inclusive celebration around the Christmas period,” explained Council’s Head of Culture Aeidin McCarter.
“The 2024 Christmas marketing campaign will have a strong theme of Gift / Shop Local and Share Joy, highlighting the vital role of supporting local businesses during the festive season.
“Building on the success of previous years, the 2024 festive brand will maintain the familiar and effective creative elements while integrating fresh messaging themes to keep the campaign engaging and relevant.”
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Hide AdThe three day Guildhall Craft Fair is considered one of the most prominent showcases of bespoke craft items in Ireland and will feature a wide range of products created by craft designer makers and artists.
The Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances are scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 in the Guildhall and Thursday, December 17 in St. Patrick’s Hall in Strabane.
The Mayor will also host her own Community Christmas Programming where members of the public can join her in the Guildhall and the Alley Theatre to celebrate the festive season, details of which will be released later.
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Hide AdA wide range of other Christmas events have been identified from choral events to Christmas movies around the district which will all form part of the city and districts overall Christmas programme.
A call out will also be made to other event organisers, promoters, businesses and cultural venues to send through their event details so that a comprehensive list of activity can be promoted through the Christmas campaign.
Members also heard that while a decision had been taken earlier as part of the rates process to not go ahead with a council Christmas market, officers have identified other community and city markets that are being planned and these will be profiled as part of the Christmas events schedule.
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Hide AdFrom a marketing perspective, campaign activity will consist of extensive digital and social media strategies along with prime outdoor, radio and press features in order to reach target audiences.
The existing Christmas brand will be maintained and developed to fit with the 2024 theme and visual storytelling will be applied throughout the campaign.
A digital gift guide will be created to feature a ‘Shop Local Gift Guide’ showcasing products and offers from local businesses and will be widely shared across social media platforms, web and email newsletters.
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