Get ready for the big Christmas lights switch on in Portlaoise
Date revealed for festive fun in Laois capital town
The date has just been revealed for the big switch on of Christmas lights in Portlaoise.
Downtown Portlaoise traders group have been busy organising a stunning display for the festive holiday season, and it gets underway sooner than usual.
The man himself, Santa Claus is coming to Laois to light up the town, on Friday evening, November 24.
Santa will turn on the lights at the Lower Square outside the new library, thanks to Downtown Portlaoise and Laois County Council.
The event, MC'd by Jack Nolan, starts at 5.45pm with Seren Roberts, Harpist playing some Christmas tunes live and unplugged sitting on the seat at at the new art sculpture. The sounds are promised to bounce the music off the concave disc, designed to reverberate the sound across the Square.
He will be followed by a lovely performance by Portlaoise Childrens Choir.
Then Santa will arrive to welcome all the children, before a count down to turn the big switch at 6.30pm, followed by more Christmas music by the choir and harpist.
Santa will be sitting on his sleigh ready for all important family photos, along with Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman ready for festive selfies.
Downtown Traders thank everyone who has made the Christmas Lights possible again this year, in a lovely tribute to all concerned.
"We could not complete this project without the great support from all in Laois County Council to mention a few such as CEO John Mulholland, Wes Wilkinson Town Engineer, Roy Glynn and Michael Buckley Landscaper. Their continued support is greatly appreciated and without them, none of this would be possible.
"Danny McNulty electrician has the mammoth task of erecting and taking down the lights and this is a huge logistical operation. Only the most organised will get through this project, and Danny has a system in place that ensures our lights go
where they are supposed to each year.
"Alice McCabe, a very valued member of our Downtown Portlaoise Committee, is our tireless secretary who leaves no stone unturned and at the same time includes all our members in everything we do, we are very grateful. Mark Martley, a town
man who only knows how to say YES. Mark could not have been more supportive and helped us in every way he can. To Christy Bannon, the only one who can do the job. We are lucky to have him in our town. Nothing to compare in the country.
"We are delighted to have a Downtown Portlaoise member and long standing business man in Portlaoise do MC on the evening.
There is a great tradition of Harp playing in Laois with thanks to the School of Music. We are happy to have Senan Roberts, Harpist, playing on the evening, highlighting the talent that lies within our County.
"Last but not least we wish to thank the Childrens Choir under Christine Troy, who always turn up, every year to sing for the lights Switch On. Unfortunately and understandably they had to cancel last year due to the very sad passing of Catherine Quigley who managed the choir for many decades in Portlaoise. Catherine always brought the choir so willingly and we will never forget her contribution to music and song in our town.
"Altogether the evening is a sum total of all that is good in Portlaoise and shows how a good community spirit can always ‘GET THE JOB DONE’.
Shoppers and residents are alerted to a street closure on Main Street in operation from 4pm that day for the event.
"We ask the businesses to remind their customers and staff about the road closure also to ensure no-one gets boxed in," the group state.
It will take place from 6pm to 7pm, just in time for the RTÉ Late Late Toy Show that night on Friday, November 24.