Northern Ireland

Belfast on countdown to Christmas as lights are switched on

A magical night for this little girl at the switching on of Belfast's Christmas lights at the City Hall. Picture by by Alan Lewis, PhotopressBelfast.co.uk
A magical night for this little girl at the switching on of Belfast's Christmas lights at the City Hall. Picture by by Alan Lewis, PhotopressBelfast.co.uk A magical night for this little girl at the switching on of Belfast's Christmas lights at the City Hall. Picture by by Alan Lewis, PhotopressBelfast.co.uk

THOUSANDS thronged the streets around Belfast City Hall on Saturday for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Lord Mayor John Finucane joined Cool FM’s Melissa Riddell and John Kearns as well as children's TV superheroes PJ Masks for the festivities.

Santa and Mrs Claus put in a special appearance as the crowds enjoyed a mix of carols and other musical fun.

The Christmas Market, which hosts 30 continental stalls alongside local traders, also opened in the grounds of the civic building.

More than one million people are set to visit the market which will run until December 22.