Alliance secures RNLI support to save Christmas in Portrush

Alliance Alderman Richard Stewart has made sure it’s a happy Christmas for everyone in Portrush, after securing the help of the RNLI to deliver this year’s Christmas lights switch on.

The local representative has heaped praise on the RNLI after they agreed to organise the event last minute, after alterations to the Council’s funding rules meant Portrush was at risk of losing its main Christmas event this year.

Richard added: “Changes introduced earlier this year meant that community groups could apply for grants to run Christmas events, instead of Council organised events in the larger towns in the Council area. As Portrush does not currently have a constituted community group, the town almost missed out on funding. 

“I’m delighted at how quickly the RNLI acted after I raised the possibility of their members fulfilling this role locally and it was even better to see their application to Council being met with success.

 “I cannot praise RNLI enough for agreeing to organise Portrush’s Festive light switch on. They have stepped up on behalf of the whole community. 

“Christmas is obviously an immensely important time for local families and businesses. It would have been a huge shame if Portrush had missed out on a Festive event due to changes in Council funding. 

The event will now be held on Saturday December 2, between 3pm and 7pm in front of the Lifeboat station in the town.