40th Black Santa Sit-out underway on Cathedral steps

Friday December 16th 2016

Black Santa, Dean John Mann, left, with the Rev Canon Ruth Patterson and the Rev Canon Mark Niblock on the first day of the 40th anniversary sit-out for charity.

The 40th annual Black Santa Sit-out for charities is underway on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Dean John Mann was joined for the first ‘shift’ by Methodist Minister the Rev Canon Ruth Patterson, and Dean’s Vicar, the Rev Canon Mark Niblock.

One of the early callers was the city’s first citizen, Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Brian Kingston, who after making a donation spent some time chatting.

It was a grey and murky start – not so cold perhaps, but the rain and the wind blowing up Donegall Street definitely made it chilly for those standing on the spot.

You can show your support for this great Belfast tradition by stopping by the Cathedral anytime during the day (except Sunday) between now and Christmas Eve and saying hello to the Dean, or if you can’t make it you can donate online.