Christmas is coming with festive ride

Christmas is coming with festive ride

22 November 2023

THE 17th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride was launched in style in the magnificent grounds of Rowallane Gardens in Saintfield. 

The event was hosted by the National Trust, with some of the guests who attended being well known faces from across the equestrian community.

Joan Cunningham, founder and organiser of the spectacular Christmas extravaganza, was thrilled that the Ride has now raised tens of thousands of pounds over the past 16 years. 

“It originally started in 2007 to help  raise funds for Ugandan orphans whose parents had either died from Aids or had been murdered,” Joan said.  

“Rock Ministries NI Trust brought  the Mwamba Children's Choir made up of Ugandan orphans to Saintfield in both 2007 and again in 2009.  

“They  sang and danced in the middle of Saintfield town and won the hearts of everyone who was at the Santa Ride on both occasions.” 

Joan continued: “Although Rock Ministries retired about three years ago, one of the members of the Mwamba Choir, Pius Kulama, who was only a child in 2007, is determined to help his people in the village where he was born by creating a model village where their lives will be transformed giving them a much better and fulfilling life. We at the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride are determined to help him in every way we can to fulfil his dream.”

This year’s ride takes place on Saturday, December 2, and commences with all the Santas arriving at Andrews Yard, 50 Lisburn Road, Saintfield, for a mulled wine and mince pie reception. 

At 12pm, the Santas will mount their horses and head off up the Old Belfast Road. The full route the ride will be taking will be published soon.

The ‘real Santa’ will be transported in Angelo Kane's magnificent horse drawn carriage. Meanwhile, Hugo Duncan, Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan will be entertaining the crowds of well wishers lining the street waiting for the arrival of the man himself at approximately 1.15pm.

Santa's carriage will appear over Todds Hill followed by his multitude of Santas on horseback to the delight of everyone, especially the children who will be overwhelmed with excitement. At the Christmas tree in the middle of the town Santa will alight from his carriage to meet and greet everyone.

Eventually the ride will move on and arrive back at Andrews Yard. There will be spot prizes awarded to the best dressed Santas on horseback. The prizes will be awarded by a celebrity judge.

Entries can now be made online at www.saintfieldhorseshow/charityride or click on the link on 

the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Facebook. The cost of the ride will be £20 for adults and £10 for children.    

For any enquires, contact Joan Cunningham on 07775 860744 or email joancunningham1@gmail.com.