THOUSANDS of shoppers crowded into Belfast city centre last night to watch Zoe Ball, a children's TV presenter, switch on the Christmas tree lights. Belfast's Lord Mayor, Mr Ian Adamson, joined Ms Ball for the display outside City Hall. The night began with music from the Blue Barrons Disco and continued with the band, Flash Harry.
The Electrical Christmas Parade of Lights takes place tonight when thousands of lights will decorate a host of characters, including Crazy Bears.
There will be a series of free, open air concerts outside Hall in the coming weeks. Mr Adamson said: "The `Happy Christmas, Belfast' campaign is without doubt the highlight of our city's annual programme. For the next six weeks, Belfast offers its citizens and visitors a sensational programme of events and attractions."
Meanwhile, the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, has disclosed that security cameras recently installed in Belfast city centre have led to almost an arrest a day. "We have had some very significant arrests relating to assaults, car thefts, muggings and drug dealing," he said. Mr Flanagan also disclosed that reported drug offences this year had fallen by a third compared to last year.