560 children aged between 7 and 9 from all over Ireland congregated in the Phoenix Park Dublin for the beginning of the RTÉ Children's Christmas Party.
The children were welcomed to the Phoenix Park by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Jim Tunney and the day of festive celebrations began.
The party travelled by cavalcade lead by Miss Ireland, Anne Marie Gannon from the Phoenix Park through Dublin city to the RTÉ Studios in Donnybrook for the main event to begin. They were greeted at Donnybrook by children's presenter Pat the Hat Ingoldsby. RTÉ's Director General Vincent Finn and Chairman of the RTÉ Authority Jim Culleton were also in attendance.
Among the guests of honour at the party was children's favourite Bosco. The youngsters were also treated to the full circus experience courtesy of Fossetts Circus. Santa arrived to distribute gifts with the help of comedian and entertainer Brendan Grace.
An RTÉ News report by Kieron Wood broadcast on 14 December 1985.
