NEWS FLASH: Change of venue for Santa Ride

Christmas Charity Ride will move to Downpatrick for this year

Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride is not running in its usual form this year. Downpatrick business owner Bartley Murphy recently asked ride organiser, Joan Cunningham if the ride could be moved to Downpatrick this year, to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the town after it was devastated by flooding.

This ride is all about festive spirit and goodwill, so Joan agreed.

It is hoped that the usual sea of Santas will make their way to Downpatrick for this year’s Charity Ride after a change of venue.

Despite some comments on social media, the ride is going ahead on Saturday, December 2. Riders should meet at Downpatrick Racecourse, 24 Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick at 11.30am for a mulled wine and mince pie reception, before getting tacked up and mounted, to set off at approximately 12.45pm. The ride will head into Downpatrick, gathering in St Patrick’s Square at around 1.15-1.30pm.

Hugo Duncan, Boxcar Brian and Gerard Dornan will be there, as always, to entertain those who come along to enjoy the spectacle, with Christmas tunes and a bit of banter.

The guest of honour will, of course, be the ‘Real Santa’, who will be leading the ride in Angelo Kane’s carriage.

The ride will proceed on round the town and then head back to the racecourse; the route will be around three miles in all.

Entries will be on the field - previous entries made online will be refunded.