Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dance to go virtual

Residents in care homes and living rooms across the north west will still get the chance to dance this Christmas as Mayor of Derry and Strabane Brian Tierney has announced he will use the internet to bring his Christmas Tea Dance to local people.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 25th Nov 2020, 10:18 BST
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, with parents Brian and Mary at last month's Positive Ageing Month Virtual Tea Dance in the Guildhall.Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, with parents Brian and Mary at last month's Positive Ageing Month Virtual Tea Dance in the Guildhall.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, with parents Brian and Mary at last month's Positive Ageing Month Virtual Tea Dance in the Guildhall.

The event at 3pm on Wednesday, December 16 will feature live music from ‘Legacy’ and viewers will be able to enjoy images of previous Tea Dances and watch Christmas video messages from some of the most regular attendees.

The Tea Dance is traditionally one of the highlights of Council’s Christmas programme and Mayor Tierney said he was pleased to have the opportunity to connect with local people.

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“It has been disappointing not to be able to host people in the Guildhall this year as the Mayor’s Tea Dance is a great way of connecting with the public and offering older citizens the chance to get out and about for a dance and chat over a cup of tea,” he said.

“The restrictions to combat the spread of Covid 19 have been particularly hard on our older people, many of whom have had been asked to shield and have not had contact with members of their extended family.

“Last month I attended a virtual tea dance event with my parents as part of positive aging month and I found it an innovate way of connecting with people again during the current restrictions.

“From the comfort of your living room, I hope you can get your dancing shoes on and join me for an afternoon of music, stories and memories.

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“I look forward to seeing people being welcomed back to the Main Hall in the Guildhall in the not too distant future when it is safe to do so.”

The Mayor’s Virtual Tea Dance will be screened live on Council’s Christmas web page and is part of a programme of virtual events to celebrate Christmas 2020.

It includes several interactive family activities and will run through to December 16, focusing on key weekends throughout the period.

The programme is designed to complement the existing calendar of events at this festive time, enhancing the visitor and shopper experience while drawing on the rich built and cultural heritage locally.

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The marketing campaign is focusing on Support Local, Made Local and Gift Local messages in order to promote a culturally rich Christmas experience.

For more detailed information and updates visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.

Related topics:MayorResidentsBrian TierneyTierneyDerryStrabaneCouncil