The children’s Christmas Pedal Power Parade in 2024 was a fantastic success all thanks to the incredible effort of parents and our volunteers. Everyone enjoyed the event, but we agreed that we would aim to organise the event differently so that the public could see all the participants better and the efforts of all involved.

 

Here are key points we would like to share before the event to ensure its smooth running.

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• Arrive at 1st Broughshane Presbyterian Church Hall from 4.15pm for parade to move off sharp at 5.15pm. Please proceed to main entrance door where all registered children will receive their '2025 Santa's Pedal Power Parade' Medals for the parade. Please follow the directions of the Marshals.

   

  2. For reasons of safety, carparking will be prohibited at the Church. Carparking will however be available at 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church Car Park (Beside the Spar supermarket and petrol station as you approach Broughshane from Ballymena).

   

  3. 300 of Santa's Little Helpers will move off in groups of 20 as guided by the Marshals behind Ballyduff Silver Band. A Max. of two adults are allowed to accompany each child.

   

  4.  Please stay in your groups of 20 as you proceed in the parade so that there are no bottle necks when we reach Houston’s Mill and to let all spectators see the parade properly. We realise we are working with children but can all parents please try and help the Marshals to keep a distance between each group.

   

  5.  The procession will advance to Houston’s Mill past Mill Brae Fold for the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

   

  6.  Children will be directed into Houston’s Mill at the Bridge.

   

  7. The grass area to the right will be cordoned off with crash barriers for participants to gather during the lights switching-on ceremony. You will need to remove your child from their pedal powered vehicle and move onto the grass area as far as possible..

   

  8.  In the event of an ambulance needing through the parade, we ask all parents to take their children to the side of the road and keep them by your side.

   

  9. Toilet facilities will be available at Houston’s Mill and Saint Patrick's Church of Ireland where the Christmas festivities will continue until 7pm.

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Safety Notes:

 

A. We recommend that all children and accompanying parents wear hi-visibility clothing or jackets.

 

B.  In the case of an emergency during the parade please follow the directions of the Marshals.

 

C. The road will be closed during the parade but will re-open immediately afterwards, please be careful when you are returning to your vehicle.

 

D. All children and their pedal-powered vehicles must be supervised by their parents/guardians at all times – their safety is important. (Marshals are there to guide you so everyone can have an enjoyable evening)

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

 

E. Community Rescue volunteers will be accompanying Santa's Christmas Pedal Power Parade. If required, St John’s Ambulance will be based at Houston’s Mill.

 

F. Once again, we ask everyone to take extreme care when returning home or to your cars, Main Street will be reopened again and traffic is likely to be very busy.