“I am concerned there is still no clarity on this issue and even at this late stage, I respectfully call on the Alliance Mayor to uphold long standing custom and practice and to remember the Christian message of hope and peace.”
A DUP councillor has claimed a Lisburn festive celebration is trying to take “Christ out of Christmas”.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council will switch on its Christmas lights this Thursday with compère Frank Mitchell from radio U105.
However, a potential lack of Christian representation has caused concerns that the Christmas event is now becoming more secular.
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Lisburn South DUP Alderman, Paul Porter said: “I am responding to concerns that have been raised on social media about the Lisburn Christmas event in terms of claims that traditional Christian carols will not be played.
“I do welcome some clarity from the council that Christmas carols will now be played at the event.
“This is a long established family community event and it is a sign for most families of the start of the Christian festivities.
“The concerns that I have is that the event organisers are perhaps doing the best they can to take Christ out of Christmas.
“Further concerns were also raised to me that the Mayor’s chaplain will not be speaking at the event, which has been the normal practice for years gone by on the message of the birth of baby Jesus and the hope that brings.
“I am concerned there is still no clarity on this issue and even at this late stage, I respectfully call on the Alliance Mayor to uphold long standing custom and practice and to remember the Christian message of hope and peace.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has seen the social media comments stating a brass band “has been told not to play any traditional Christmas carols….I’d like to know what local council representatives have to say about this”.
The LCCC website states that a pre-parade entertainment will start from 6pm and include music with walkabout entertainers.
Compère Frank Mitchell will introduce music from 7pm with Mayor Amanda Grehan (Alliance) and Santa turning on the Christmas lights at approximately 7.30pm. The night will conclude with an “enchanted” lantern parade through Castle Gardens.
The LDRS asked LCCC if it was providing a Christmas experience at the city light switch on, to include Christian songs and comments from a Christian representative.
A council spokesperson said: “We will be switching on the city’s lights on Thursday 20 November as part of an event in Market Square, Lisburn.
“This event will include Christmas songs and carols performed by Dynamic Brass. “We look forward to seeing our residents to mark the start of the festive season together.”
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