Tie a yellow ribbon around the tree

That’s because the town’s Christmas tree is being turned into a Tree of Remembrance by the local Rotary Club.

The festive centrepiece will be adorned with yellow ribbons in the coming weeks – all of which will feature messages of remembrance written by members of the public.

The messages and ribbons are a way of remembering for a variety of different reasons. This includes those who have passed away, as well as those living away from home, and family or friends who are ill or in hospital.

The project was officially launched this week by the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, who had the honour of placing the first ribbon on the tree.

She said: “I would like to commend the Rotary club on bringing the Tree of Remembrance project to Ballycastle. It’s particularly pertinent that we take time to remember all our loved ones at this time of year, especially those who cannot be with us for a variety of reasons. It offers people an opportunity to remember in a simple yet poignant way in the midst of the Christmas rush.”

The ribbons on the tree will be removed on Christmas Eve, when they will be replaced by Peace Pledges created by pupils from local primary schools.

A dedication ceremony for the ribbons is due to take place in the New Year.

Donations raised from the Tree of Remembrance will be shared among six causes, including Rotary, Marie Curie, Mother Goose playgroup, Live Loudly Donate Proudly, Solas and the RNLI.