‘Big Switch On’ of Portlaoise Christmas lights

CHRISTMAS in Portlaoise will officially begin on Friday 20 November, when the town celebrates the ‘Big Switch On’ of festive lights.

Santa himself will switch on the lights at the colourful event on lower Main Street, which will start with Christmas carols from 6pm until 6.15pm.

After a welcoming speech by Laois Co Council cathaoirleach Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, MC Jack Nolan will introduce Santa, who will chat to children about being nice and not naughty for Christmas. After a big countdown, Santa will switch on the lights at 6.30pm to transform the streets into a sparkling winter wonderland.

As the festive lights glisten, Laois Community Choir will sing their hearts out as Santa moves to the big sleigh, where children and their families can capture selfies.

A spokesperson for voluntary business group Downtown Portlaoise, which organises the event, described the location as ‘a natural amphitheatre’ as the street slopes down to the new library where a stage will be erected.

Lower Main Street and Church Avenue will be closed from 3pm for the celebrations and will reopen at 9pm. Businesses and residents are asked to make alternative arrangements for their vehicles during the closure.

Downtown Portlaoise said: ‘We endeavour each year to deliver a fantastic lighting display in the town and love to extend the features as much as possible. It is with thanks to Laois Partnership that this is made possible and thanks to Connect Laois that we have been able to maintain this lovely Christmas lighting scheme.

‘Laois Co Council support Downtown Portlaoise’s efforts in erecting and removal each year and without their support this project would not be possible. A huge thank you to Danny McNulty for his dedication each year to this event. He starts in early October and works right up to Christmas fitting, repairing and erecting our extensive lighting scheme.’ 

The traders’ organisation thanked businesses that contribute to running costs and ‘tolerate a few inconveniences’ in getting the lights erected, adding: ‘Mark Martley provides our stage each year and helps us in every way he can. Tom Lacey of TopLay surprises us with his fabulous lit up arctic truck decked out for Christmas.’ 

The group also thanked the county council’s roads department, gardaí and Laois Civil Defence for their invaluable support.

Downtown Portlaoise chairperson Andrew Shaw said: ‘This is a very important event for Portlaoise town at Christmas time. It shows how the town can work together as a community to deliver this event and help to kickstart the festive season. Downtown Portlaoise is a voluntary organisation and I wish to thank all the committee for their work in the build up to this exciting evening.’