Nonso to switch on Christmas lights this Sunday
Tullamore is the place to be this Sunday for the big Christmas lights switch on.
Santa will arrive at the Tullamore Train Station at 5.30pm where he will be led by marching bands, dancers and street entertainers to William street where the Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by Tullamore College student, Nonso, whose family was saved from deportation by a fantastic local campaign earlier this year.
The event is managed by the Tullamore Christmas Project, a partnership initiative between the Tullamore Business group, Offaly County Council and Tullamore Chamber of Commerce, who are were delighted to announce their improved festive programme.
John Leavy from the organising group said they have been busy behind the scenes working with lighting consultants and Offaly County Council to introduce new lighting schemes across the town.
"Our objective is to enhance the festive lighting scheme across the town as well as introduce a lighting plan to other areas of the town which have not been lit in the past. Our primary source of funding to maintain, and commission lights on an annual basis is solely funded by the local businesses In the town and Offaly County Council."
"We have worked closely with Offaly County Council on the project for this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank them and the local councillors for funds awarded to us under a Community Enhancement Programme. This initiative has allowed us to purchase new lighting schemes for Market Square, Harbour Street, Patrick Street and O’Carroll Street this year," Mr Leavy explained.
"We are excited about what we have achieved in the past few months and we have further ambitious plans to transform the town centre and O’ Connor Square Lighting plans for next year, subject to funding. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local businesses in Tullamore for their annual donations. This continued support and working together is vital for us in achieving our plans into the future.
The switching on ceremony has become a big day for the town and this year will be no exception with improved street entertainment, bands and choirs. The first of two Christmas Markets takes place this Sunday on Patrick Street from 10am to 7pm and this will be the first time to showcase new wooden chalets. The market plans to offer a unique selection of local hand crafted gift items, accessories, woodcraft, preserves as well as seasonal foods and drinks.
The second of the planned Christmas Markets will run from Friday, December 21st to Sunday, December 23. This market will also showcase the best of local produce, crafts & gifts.
Organisers would like to also take this opportunity to thank Offaly Local Development Company for their support in landing the Christmas Market project this year.
Anne Starling from Tullamore Chamber of Commerce encouraged people to shop local this Christmas to protect and build a stronger town centre for future years.
"Our Christmas Quid vouchers are the perfect gift and are accepted in many businesses throughout the town and I would encourage people who perhaps are unsure of buying a present for a loved one, to consider buying a voucher.
“The Chamber would like to wish our business partners a prosperous Christmas and would also to extend our sincerest best wishes to all of you over the festive season. Let’s make it a magical one," she concluded.