• Accessibility Options
  •  

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Logo

27/03/2023

Sky Christmas Drama filmed in Monkstown

If you happened to see Santa Claus, Christmas Lights and decorations in Monkstown last week you were not imagining it!

If you happened to see Santa Claus, Christmas Lights and decorations in Monkstown last week you were not imagining it! Christmas came early to the area as Abbeytown Square was transformed into a film set for a new Christmas drama ‘Joy to the World’ starring Bloodland’s James Nesbitt and award-winning English actor Timothy Spall.

Filming for the new Sky production took place last week creating much excitement for the local residents.  The Christmas comedy-drama ‘Joy to the World’ is based around the story of 12 year old Micky Collins and two Santa Clauses  – one who is on the run having just robbed a bank and the other has fallen from his sleigh? After stumbling on the two characters Micky desperately wants to get his hands on the bank robbing Santa’s cash to give his family the Christmas they have always dreamed off. Does he get away with it?

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross commented;

“It is great to welcome this Sky production to our Borough. Filming in Northern Ireland as a whole has really taken off over the last number of years and for Monkstown to be part of this prestigious production is a great boost for the local residents.”

Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, vice-chair of Monkstown Jubilee Centre who has worked closely with the TV crew during the filming added;

“I am delighted that Monkstown was chosen as the location for this new Christmas drama and I look forward to seeing the final production when it hits our screens later this year.”