A new campaign is aiming to bring some much-needed Christmas sparkle to Benburb, with the community being invited to come together to create a festive tradition that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Benburb is a Co Tyrone village with a proud history, a strong sense of identity and, above all, a wonderful community spirit. Yet, for many years, there has been one thing missing when the festive season arrives – Christmas lights!
While villages and towns across Northern Ireland prepare to welcome Christmas with sparkling street lights, festive displays and community switch-on celebrations, Benburb has been left without its own dedicated Christmas lighting. Now, that’s something the Benburb & District Community Association (BDCA) is determined to change.
The volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation has launched its ‘Let’s Light Up Benburb’ Christmas Lights Campaign, with an ambitious vision to bring festive colour, warmth and excitement to the village this Christmas.
And they want the whole community to be part of it.
For many villages, the annual Christmas lights switch-on is a much-loved tradition. It brings families, friends and neighbours together, creates a welcoming atmosphere and gives local people a reason to feel proud of where they live.
Benburb deserves that same opportunity.
BDCA believes that establishing Christmas lights throughout the village would be a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season, brighten up public spaces and create a new tradition that can grow year after year.
The ambition is not simply to put up a few lights for one Christmas. It’s about starting something special – something that belongs to Benburb and its people.
A CrowdFunder is being used to help generate funds to turn this vision into a glittering reality.
They will use all monies raised to purchase Christmas lights and festive decorations for the village, provide suitable lighting and displays to brighten streets and public spaces, installation costs, electrical usage and insurance requirements and establish a collection of decorations that can be maintained, expanded and enjoyed year after year.
The aim is to create a sustainable project that can develop over time, with this year’s fundraising providing the foundations for an even brighter Benburb in the Christmases ahead.
Whether you currently live in Benburb, grew up in the village, have family or friends here, or simply have a soft spot for this wonderful part of County Tyrone, BDCA is asking you to get behind the campaign.
BDCA spokesperson Craig Millar said: “It’s good to see the whole community banding together for the greater good.”
So far the campaign has raised just over £1,375!
No donation is too small. Every contribution, no matter how big or little, will help bring the village one step closer to enjoying its own festive lights.
Businesses and individuals who support the appeal will be helping to create something that the entire community can enjoy, while playing a part in putting Benburb on the festive map.
And even if you cannot make a financial contribution, sharing the campaign with friends, family and across social media can make a huge difference.
You can make a donation and help bring Christmas lights to Benburb by visiting the official Crowdfunder page here.
