Borough embodies the Spirit of Christmas

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is celebrating the special efforts made by local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and individuals to make this time of year extra special with the Spirit of Christmas Awards. After receiving over 170 nominations, the Awards ceremony was held on 20 December 2022 in the Oriel Gallery at Antrim Castle Gardens. The winners were as follows;

• Light Up Award - For the Best Lit Town/Village/Street/Precinct.
  • Awarded to: Carnmoney Village Community Group, for their Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Cottage, delivered throughout December by volunteers from the group in aid of local charities.
• Rockin Around the Christmas Tree Award - Best programme of festive entertainment within a business or community setting.
  • Awarded to: Scott Wilson, The Legendary Character, for his numerous acts of goodwill during the festive season raising over £1200 for the local hospice and foodbank and bringing joy to over 1200 children during his Santa visits.
• The Reason for the Season Award - The most festive school, church or community facility.
  • Awarded to: Riverside School, for bringing joy and sparkle to the whole Christmas season. The staff went above and beyond to make it special for each and every child. This year they have been able to open the school for a Christmas Carol Service, Christmas card making and Christmas play sessions.
• The Making an Entrance Award - The best dressed entrance feature or shop front.
  • Awarded to: The Fig Design Company, for their fantastic Christmas themed window display, bringing a touch of taste and elegance to Ballyclare Main Street.  The display fills the whole shop front with Christmas stars, lights and a Christmas message on each window.
• Traditional Christmas Award - Recognising acts of goodwill during the festive period.
  • Awarded to: Tracey Hefferon, for raising over £25,000 for local charities over the last 10 years through her Christmas Hooley. This year she raised almost three thousand pounds for FOCUS. 
• North Star Award - Most outstanding Christmas display in the Borough.
  • Awarded to: Doagh Cultural Society, for their annual Village Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which brought together the local community, school and businesses to celebrate the start of the festive season.
• Mayors Award - Most outstanding event - Chosen by the Mayor.
  • Awarded to: Fairview Primary School, for their annual Christmas walking trail and Santa’s Grotto.  The trail takes the children on a magical journey through the school woods, with twinkling lights, Santa’s elves and Christmas story boards. The trail ends at Santa’s Grotto where the children can toast marshmallows whilst listening to stories from Santa.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said “I am delighted to see that the goodwill of our community has had such a positive impact on residents within the Borough, resulting in an outstanding number of nominations for this year’s Spirit of Christmas Awards. I would like to thank all the local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and individuals for going above and beyond this Christmas time”.