Santas by the score visit Saintfield

Santas by the score visit Saintfield

16 December 2020

THE 14th annual Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride took place on Saturday.

On a beautiful sunny December morning the participants gathered at Andrews Yard at 11am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception.

The festive atmosphere was fantastic with Christmas carols and  music playing in the background to help everyone get into the Christmas Spirit.

At 12 noon the Santas mounted up to ride into town led by organiser Joan Cunningham and 85 year-old Albert Lowry, who has led the ride with Joan for the past 14 years.

The entire route of around four miles or more was lined with well wishers waving and offering Christmas greetings.

The ‘Real Santa’, who was in his magnificent carriage, joined his tribe of Santas on horseback at the top of the old Grand Jury Road and led the way to Saintfield.

Arriving in Main Street the Santas were delighted at the crowds that were there to greet them. 

At the Christmas tree the ‘Real Santa’ alighted from his carriage and walked up the street calling out and waving to the children, while keeping socially distanced.  

The BBC’S Hugo Duncan kept everyone in stitches while Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan sang some Christmas songs.

Joan Cunningham would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors, the media and any other person who helped in any way to make the day such a fantastic success. All money raised will go to the Pius Kulama Ugandan Project.