Saintfield gets ready for Christmas Charity Ride

2 November 2016

A KEY plank in the Saintfield Christmas celebrations will mark it’s tenth anniversary next month.

The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride will once again take place on Saturday, December 3, attracting dozens of Santa-attired riders into the centre of the town.

The event, which will again by sponsored by North Down Marquees, was the brainchild of Joan Cunningham, who is promising a “wonderfully magical festive day” to mark the tenth anniversary.

The day will commence with Santas from all over the province arriving at Saintfield Livestock Mart at11am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception.

At 12noon the Santas will mount their horses and ride into Saintfield town led by the real Santa in his magnificent horse drawn carriage.

At 1pm the Santas will swarm into Saintfield Main Street welcomed by crowds of well wishers. The real Santa will alight from his carriage at the Christmas tree to meet and greet all the children.

Live music will ring out throughout the town from Country Harmony and Box Car Brian who will entertain the crowds.

The Santas will then make their way back to the marquee at the Mart for lunch and a special anniversary Christmas Party from 2-6pm with live music from Panache.

Joan organised the first ride in 2007 to raise funds for under-privileged children in Uganda and Rwanda via Rock Ministries N.I. Trust.

The Mawamba Choir from Uganda visited Saintfield in 2007 and again in 2009. The choir is made up of children whose parents had either died from Aids or had been murdered. The ride since then has gone from strength to strength and is now famous throughout Ireland, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The ride, which is strictly a hack, is suitable for all riders. The price for adults is £20 and £10 for children which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception and lunch following the ride. Admission to the marquee is free but anyone wishing to have lunch can do so for

a donation of £5 for adults although children can dine for free.

For further details contact Joan Cunningham on 07775860744 or joancunningham1@gmail.com. The website is www.saintfieldhorseshow/christmascharityride

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