THE 19th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride was launched in fine style last Friday week, with a sponsor and press reception being kindly hosted by the National Trust at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield and attended by over 40 supporters.
The annual Santa Ride, which will take place this year on Saturday, December 6th, attracts participants from all over the province dressed up as Santa and riding on horseback to the market town of Saintfield. This most spectacular sight is not to be missed.
All the Santas should arrive at Mary Mother of the Church, 33 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, kindly hosted by Father McHugh, for a mulled wine and mince pie reception at 11am.
Christmas music will ring out, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit and letting them know Christmas time is here once more.
At 12 noon, the Santas will mount up and follow the ‘Real Santa’ in the magnificent Denamona Carriage. The ride, which is strictly a hack, is approximately three miles long, with a shorter route for small children.
Meantime, back in Saintfield, the one and only Hugo Duncan, Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan will keep everyone entertained with plenty of craic and music.
At around 1pm - 1.15pm, the ‘Real Santa’ in his magnificent carriage will come down Station Road and will appear over Todd’s Hill, followed closely by a multitude of Santas, turning Saintfield into the most amazing sea of red. Santa and his helpers will make their way up to the Christmas Tree in the middle of the town, where Santa will alight from his carriage to the absolute delight of all the children.
Eventually, the Santas will make their way to the top of the town, where they will turn around the fair green and follow Santa back down the Main Street and return to Mary Mother of the Church.
Online entries are now open. The cost of the ride is £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception.
For enquiries, contact Joan Cunningham on 07775 860744 or email joancunningham1@gmail.com, go to www.saintfieldhorseshow.com/christmascharityride or Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride New Facebook.