BELFAST is open for business and is the place to be this Christmas, Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson said yesterday as plans for the festive season were launched at the City Hall.
He was joined by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA, Superintendent John McCaughan of the PSNI and representatives of the city’s traders, underlining the determination of the public and private sectors to work together to ensure an “unforgettable” Christmas for the city.
Initiatives to ensure that the city has never been more accessible to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and those using public transport were outlined alongside ploivcing plands to keep shopper safe and secure ans they visit the city.
“As the regional capital, Belfast as the best shopping, restaurants, nightlife, tourism and arts and culture offering and is now easier than ever to visit and enjoy,” said Mr Robinson.
“This Christmas promises to be very special with the extremely popular continental market returning next weekend for a full month in the grounds of the City Hall.
“It will open after I am joined by the ZingZillas to switch on the Christmas lights on Saturday evening, which will be an event for all the family and particular our younger citizens to enjoy.
“And St George’s Market, which continues to be one of the UK’s finest, will be open for extended hours, while we have the annual pantomime at the Waterfront Hall which will be as in demand a ever.
“Titanic Belfast will be celebrating with Victorian Christmas events, while there will be Christmas themed tours at Belfast Castle, festive tea dances at the Ulster Hall and a range of seasonal events at local community and leisure centres.” Minister Danny Kennedy outlined plans to expand park and ride services from Monday, November 19 until December 22, and said that the service would be free after 4.30pm on late night shopping weekdays and all day on Saturdays.
He also outlined plans to increase train capacity, provide an additional late night shopping train in December from Belfast to Coleraine and introduce reduced Metro bus fares on Saturdays until 5 January.
He also announced an embargo on road works on strategic routes in the Greater Belfast area from 26 November.
“These measures will encourage people to use public transport which will, in turn, make it easier for those who need to use a car to park and drive within the cities,” he said.
“The measures developed by my Department, in conjunction with Translink, provide better choice and value for all road users which will lead to more people using our city centres for Christmas shopping. This is sure to provide a vital boost for our traders.”