Over 1,000 people were on hand to welcome Santa to Youghal as he made a spectacular entrance on water on Saturday 4th December 2010.  The arrival ceremony and subsequent ‘Free Santa Visit’ in Youghal Town Council’s Mall Arts Centre kick-started the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com email: news@youghalonline.com

Speaking afterwards, the main organiser of the event, Clodagh Mahon of Youghal Heritage Committee commended and thanked all the sponsors and volunteers who worked so hard in delivering the free event to the town.  “This year more than ever before we were determined to take the financial pressure off families with a free event, and we believe we succeeded in doing just that. There was a great atmosphere throughout the whole day, with kids and adults alike in wonderful spirits.  Santa’s arrival with Aquatrek was spectacular to begin with and it just continued from there with hundreds of kids meeting Santa and promising him to be on their best behaviour for the next few weeks!” said Clodagh.

Following his high speed boat trip across Youghal Bay, Santa was delivered by horse and carriage to The Mall Arts Centre for an afternoon of free fun which was open to the public. Hoards of kids of all ages enjoyed the festivities until 4.30pm with a ‘free Santa visit’ and gift of a selection box, courtesy of ‘XL’ Convenience Store in Youghal and Tesco Youghal, together with a photograph courtesy of Irwins, Kodak, Youghal.  Activities included face-painting, mingling with the cast of Aladdin, all to the tunes of Youghal’s wonderful ‘Barty’s Disco.  Performances by the wonderful Youghal Youth Orchestra and Youghal Choral Society only added to what was an afternoon of true Christmas cheer!

Not to be forgotten, Mums and Dads sipped on warmed mulled wine kindly sponsored by ‘Next Door Wines’ and mince pies provided by Collins Bakery & Le Gourmet.

At 4.30 pm Santa led the nationally renowned Youghal Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights.

Organisers wish to extend a sincere thank you to its many sponsors which enabled the event to be undertaken.  These included: Youghal Town Council, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, Youghal Credit Union, Youghal Heritage Committee, Aquatrek, Barty’s Disco, Next Door Off-Licence, Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Collins’ Bakery, Le Gourmet, Tom Morley (Horse & Cart), Community Radio Youghal, Irwin’s Kodak, ‘XL’ Convenience Store, Tesco, The Youghal Youth Orchestra, Youghal Choral Society, The Cast of Aladdin (Graham McDermott School of Dance) Youghal Pipe Band & Woodland Print & Design,

Issued by: Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Further details on event E: clodaghmahon@hotmail.com

Click on image to see more photos of Santa in Youghal

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