1.Introduction
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council recognises the importance that locally organised community events can play in developing strong, united and connected communities.
In recognition of the importance Christmas can play for local communities, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council developed the Christmas Tree Switch-On Event Scheme with a primary aim of supporting local groups to develop and deliver celebratory ‘switch on’ events as part of the Council’s overall Christmas Programme to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.
The Community Christmas Tree Switch on Events aims to support groups to:
- Lead and take ownership of local Christmas ‘switch on’ events and positively promote and celebrate the good which the community represents.
- Develop events built on participation, involvement, and sense of identity, whilst contributing to the social well-being of the area.
- Promote local areas, develop social cohesion and create an inclusive sense of community belonging.
- Work with other local partners, including traders, to officially mark and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.
The programme only applies to rural areas only with 20 identified sites having been agreed by Council.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council therefore invites Expressions of Interest from local community and voluntary organisations, wishing to organise and deliver a community Christmas Tree Switch‑On event at an identified Christmas tree site. The scheme will be delivered through a funding agreement (2026-2029 subject to budgetary confirmation), between the Council and a community partner(s) as part of the Council's wider Christmas Programme.
If more than one group operates within a particular locality, the Council would particularly welcome partnership applications, however a lead applicant will need to be identified. NB: The Council will not provide funding under this policy to any more than one group at each site.