Annual Santa charity ride is huge success

Annual Santa charity ride is huge success

23 December 2015

SAINTFIELD was invaded by a huge posse Santas on horseback last Saturday.

The town was gripped by festive fever as the annual Santa charity ride finally got underway at the third time of asking. Two previous attempts were cancelled due to atrocious weather.

Saturday’s bright and dry conditions were welcomed by participants and the many people who thronged to the town centre to watch the Santa spectacle ride by, getting everyone in the mood for Christmas.

Santas poured into Saintfield from all arts and parts and enjoyed a mulled wine and mince pie reception at the town’s
livestock mart before mounting up at noon to make their way into Saintfield.

The VIP guest on Saturday was the real Santa who took time out form his busy schedule in Lapland to join hundreds of others, with the main man taking pride of place in one of Fawcett’s carriages driven by Alex Fawcett.

The Santas were formally welcomed at the town’s Christmas tree by Terence McKeag before they remounted and
headed back to the mart for lunch and a festive party.

Event organiser, Joan Cunningham, was delighted with the turnout and support for the event and wishes to thank sponsors and members of the organising team for their hard work.

She added: “Thank you to everyone. The PSNI were amazing and thanks also to the media and the Santas who made Saturday’s event possible. I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.”