300 Santas descend on Saintfield

300 Santas descend on Saintfield

11 December 2013

VISITORS to Saintfield may have been rather surprised to see the town centre besieged with 300 Santas on horseback last Saturday.

The town was hosting its annual charity ride which has raised a very impressive £25,000 since its launch six years ago.

The charity ride has gone from strength to strength since 2007 to raise much-needed funds for orphans in Uganda whose parents had either died from aids or been murdered.

While several hundred people dressed as Santa last weekend — including three year-old Issac McCarthy who was the youngest participant — the man himself took time out of his hectic schedule to join event organiser, Joan Cunningham, at the head of the parade.

Behind the duo in a beautiful horse drawn carriage was Down Council chairman Maria McCarthy, closely followed by three black Fresian stallions. As the parade of Santas made its way up Main Street, the procession behind tailed as far back as Todds Hill.

There was a superb atmosphere in the town centre, with shoppers and spectators lining the entire length of Main Street to marvel at the spectacle of so many Santas in the same place together. Festive music filled the air as festive fever gripped Saintfield.

Well known comedian Terence McKeag also entertained the crowd with Joan Cunningham “overwhelmed” at the support of so many riders who took part.

She thanked all the participants, North Down Marquees and Brian and Geoffrey Murphy for the use of Saintfield Livestock Mart’s Belfast Road premises.

Joan added: “Thanks to all our sponsors, the PSNI, Down Council, the caterers and everyone who in any way helped make this wonderful day possible.”