‘TIS the season to be jolly as Coleraine prepares for its annual Christmas Carnival Parade.

Whyte Street will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland next Friday, December 16, with a series of activities on offer to entertain people of all ages, including live music, a jumping castle, photo booth and giant slide.

The road will be blocked off from 5pm and wristbands will be available for purchase to allow access to the kids’ entertainment, which will run from 5.30-8.30pm on the village green.

Coleraine Christmas Carnival organiser, Beccy Wishart, said she was looking forward to the evening which will be jampacked with fun for all ages.

“There certainly will be something for everyone on the night,” she said.

“We have kids’ rides and entertainment in the way of a giant slide, pacer karts, bungee run, jumping castle, face painting and a photobooth.

“There will also be many market stalls and raffles running on the night.

“Make your way along the main street - Whyte Street - and purchase some raffle tickets and browse the many offerings.

“The stalls will be providing Christmas goodies, jams and relishes, flowers, candles, home baked goods, bags and wallets, cushions, clothes, Tupperware and so much more.”

Prizes will also be awarded for the best Christmas house lights display, the best decorated parade float, and the best decorated wheels competition in the parade.

There will also be a series of raffles, with the winners drawn on the night.

Ms Wishart said the ever-popular street parade would be back in full force this year with many locals eager to be involved.

“So far we have a lot of interest in the classic cars and other trucks and vehicles, the primary schools, kinder and playgroup will be participating, as well as the Coleraine Football Netball Club,” she said.

“Santa will be making an appearance in the parade as well, and then after the parade concludes, children can line up for a photo with Santa and receive a free show bag.

“We encourage anyone wanting to participate to please come along and join in the parade - the bigger the better.”

Anyone wishing to participate in the street parade will need to meet at the corner of Winter Street and McLeod Street - near the RSL - ready for the parade to start at 7pm.

Music will also fill the streets of Coleraine next Friday when The Casterton Vice Regal Band play at the corner of Whyte Street and Winter Street from 6pm, followed by Simon Van Kalken who will take over with his disco after the parade.

Ms Wishart encouraged everyone to “come along and have a wander up and down the street” to experience all the Coleraine Christmas Carnival Parade has to offer.

“Food and drinks will be aplenty, with the Coleraine Action Club cooking the barbeque on the village green, the Catching Pen and Cambo’s Milkbar and Takeaway will both be open serving food, and the Coleraine Hotel will be running their usual menu and Friday night takeaway pizzas,” she said.

“The Coleraine RSL will be also open where you can go for a cold drink.

“Some of the local businesses will also be keeping the doors open for a bit longer on the night so please come out and support our wonderful town and this event.

“Thank you to the many sponsors that help make this event a great success.”

For more information on the Coleraine Christmas Carnival Parade, visit their Facebook page.