Saintfield all ready for Christmas charity ride

24 October 2018

THERE are only a few weeks to go before hundreds of Santas parade through Saintfield on horseback.

The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride takes place on Saturday, December 1, when crowds of well wishers will line the streets of Saintfield to watch it become a sea of red when a couple of hundred Santas will be horses following a magnificent horsedrawn carriage with the real Santa onboard.

Riders from all over the province are already starting to get themselves prepared for this annual festive extravaganza.

Organiser Joan Cunningham and her team of equine enthusiasts will ensure the event — the only one of its kind in Ireland — will be bigger and better than ever.

The Santas will arrive at Saintfield Livestock Mart at 11.00am for a seasonal reception of mulled wine and mince pies in the marquee. The entry fee is £20 for adults and £10 for children which the reception and lunch following the ride.

Entrance to the marquee is free and anyone wishing to have lunch can do so for a donation of £5 — children dine free.

There is also a special celebration this year to mark the tenth anniversary of North

Down Marquees being the major sponsor of the event. Alastair McIlveen, from North Down Marquees, will be at the ride to judge the best dressed Santas.

The organisers are also grateful to Brian and Geoffrey Murphy for generously granting us the use of Saintfield Livestock Mart, as well as the people of Saintfield and the wider area who have generously sponsored the event or helped in any way.

Further details contact joancunningham1@gmail.com or 07775 860744; website www.saintfieldhorseshow/christmascharityride.

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