All Aglow Again! Portrush Christmas Lights Return Thanks To Yacht Club & Council Support

The much-loved Portrush Christmas Lights Switch On will return this year, following the intervention of local Alliance councillor, Alderman Richard Stewart, to secure a new host for the event. Thanks to the support of Portrush Yacht Club, the festive favourite will once again light up the town this Christmas.

Over the past two years, the RNLI had successfully organised the Switch On, bringing joy and festive cheer to the local community. However, this year the charity was unable to apply for the fund to deliver the event, meaning there would be no Switch On in the town.

“The RNLI did a fantastic job over the last two years, and the events were really special for the community,” Alderman Stewart said. “When it became clear they couldn’t take it on this year, I wanted to make sure Portrush didn’t miss out.”

Alderman Stewart approached Portrush Yacht Club, well-known for staging community favourites such as the Raft Race and Pirates Off Portrush, who have agreed to step in. The event is funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Festive Fund, which provides grants to community groups to deliver Christmas events throughout the Borough.

"Karl and the team at Portrush Yacht Club have a great track record of bringing people together and creating memorable events,” he said. “I’m delighted they’ve agreed to host this year’s switch on, and I’m very grateful to everyone involved for keeping the Portrush festive tradition going.”


Karl Simmonds from Portrush Yacht club said "As a club we take our role within the community very seriously and are delighted to offer our support to this year's Christmas Lights Switch On in Portrush.

"Thanks in particular to the CCAGBC Events Team, Alderman Steward and Alan Simpson for their support and we look forward to welcoming Portrush around the Christmas tree on Saturday 6th December."