GALLERY: Santa Claus comes to Hilltown!

​Sinead McAleavey got the night feeling festive for the crowd in Hilltown Square.

Local talent at its best was shown by members of the newly formed Clonduff Comhaltas and Shannon Copeland.

Council Chair Councillor Valerie Harte was on hand to ramp up the excitement for Santa’s arrival.

Our homegrown Santa was eagerly anticipated, as he arrived in style and speed with Rathfriland Fire Brigade and took to the stage arranged by Joseph Walls Ltd.

Michelle Gorka, her mummy Edyta and family had the very important task of turning on the lights with Santa. After all the cheers, Santa led the way to the Youth Club for hot chocolate and tasty treats.

When parents waited in the queue, all the children were engrossed in a range of arts, crafts and games organised by the Youth Group helped by Maureen Larkin from Education Authority Youth Service.

Then Santa saw all the children in his magical grotto and gave each of them a pressie for coming out to see him!

Hilltown Community Association and Clonduff Youth Club wish thank everyone for coming out and making the switch-on a special community event.

They wish to thank everyone who played a role in making it happen – Sinead McAleavey, Cllr Valerie Harte, Joe Walls, Damien Fearon, Dessie Doyle, Jim Murnin, Maureen Larkin and not forgetting the man himself, Santa.

Thank you to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Financial Assistance contribution to the Christmas tree, lights and illuminations around the Square.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas!