Xtra special day in Lisburn

Lisburn City Council Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter, launches this year's Mayor's Carnival Parade and Concert, with a little help from some of this year's performers including 'Jedward'- This year the event will take place on Saturday April 9 in Lisburn City Centre and Wallace Park. LEFT - Joe McElderry

JOE McElderry and Jedward will be bringing an Xtra dimension to Lisburn next month when they play a free concert in Wallace Park on April 9 following the Mayor's Carnival Parade.

The annual Mayor's Parade, featuring technicoloured giant floats, flamboyant dancers, samba bands, masqueraders and street performers will take place on Saturday 9th April from 1pm-2pm, leaving Lagan Valley Island and weaving its way round the City before returning to 1he Council's headquarters once again.

The afternoon will see the Concert and Family Fun Day at Wallace Park from 12.30pm-6pm. Jedward, Joe McElderry and support acts will perform at the Concert Arena in the Park from 3pm6pm. The Concert will begin at 3pm with headline acts on stage from 4pm. Admittance to the Arena will be strictly by allocated wristband.

To ensure Lisburn City residents have the opportunity to attend the Concert, free wristbands will be allocated. These wristbands will be available for collection from the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and Brook Activity Centre from 4.30pm on Thursday 31st March. A maximum of 4 wristbands will be available per person, which must be collected by an adult.

In order to ensure the Concert runs smoothly, there will be no car drop-offs or pick-ups in the immediate vicinity of Wallace Park. Concert goers will be required to wear the wristbands to ensure entry. Spectators are encouraged to use public transport or the city centre
car parks.

The Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Alderman Paul Porter, said: "With the Carnival Parade traditionally a very popular event and now the Wallace Park Concert, Lisburn City is anticipated to be very busy indeed on Saturday 9th April.

"We want spectators 1o have the opportunity to enjoy both 1he Carnival Parade through the City Centre and the Family Fun Day and Concert. To facilitate this year's Concert, the Parade will not finish in Wallace Park but will return to Lagan Valley Island, giving people time to make their way to Wallace Park to enjoy the Concert and Family Fun Day.

"The major refurbishment at Wallace Park is nearing completion and I am delighted 1hat the Family Fun Day and Concert will follow the Parade," said Alderman Porter.

As the Concert is expected to be extremely popular, parents and those planning to attend should ensure that they are aware of terms and conditions regarding entry. Children under 12 years of age are required to be accompanied by an adult.

"We are delighted to welcome Jedward and Joe McElderry to Lisburn City and are looking forward to an action packed, fun filled day on Saturday 9th April," concluded the Mayor.

For ticket outlets and terms and conditions contact the Carnival Concert Hotline: 9250 9336 or visit www.islandartscentre.com

Ulster Star
25/03/2011