NI's most Christmassy street raises money for local charities
The venture which started during lockdown has seen the neighbourhood unofficially renamed “Christmas Drive”
Last updated 10th Dec 2021
A street that has been branded Northern Ireland’s 'most Christmassy' has attracted huge crowds in Londonderry.
Racecourse Drive in Derry has seen hundreds of people descend there, to catch a glimpse of its spectacular festive displays.
Residents have banded together to dawn their houses with lights, inflatable figures, signs, and many more festive decorations to raise money for two local charities.
The venture which started during lockdown has seen the neighbourhood unofficially renamed “Christmas Drive”.
Preparations began in March with the construction of billboards and other yuletide props.
Ciara who owns a home along the street says it’s a way to bring some happiness to children from around the country.
She said: “It started back in Covid when there was nothing at all for the children.
“We were stuck in lockdown and there was nowhere to go and nothing to do, so we thought it would be great thing for the children on the street to get involved in.
"We thought we would bring spirit to the street."
The residents are raising funds for two local charities - Foyle Hospice and addiction charity HURT - and visitors to the street can leave donations.
"We did start with one charity last year, the Foyle Hospice."
"So, this year we thought we would bring a wee bit more to it and add another charity into it.
"Everyone just comes together as a group.
"We all chip in, we all pay for it ourselves, but as a community we’ve all come together to keep it on at a certain time and have it lit up for the whole of Christmas.
“The vibes are amazing and it’s a beautiful Christmas vibe and there’s loads of wee children coming and the excitement in their faces is just incredible.
“For you to see how happy children can be in such a lit-up place, it's rewarding to say that you live here.
“It’s lovely, it great to be part of it.”
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