Laois town is buzzing with excitement as festive lights are about to be turned on
The turning on of the Christmas lights in Portlaoise, last year
QUITE a buzz has started swirling around Portlaoise as the event that really gets Christmas started in town - the ‘Christmas Lights Big Switch On’ - is about to take place. It will take place at 6pm on Friday 21 November in Lower Main Street.
This location has proved to be a natural amphitheatre as the street slopes down to the new library where the stage will be located. Opening this exciting event will be the Children’s Choir at 6pm who will sing their cute Christmas songs until 6.15pm and this will be followed by MC Jack Nolan introducing the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.
At 6.20pm Jack will introduce the man himself, Santa, who will chat to the children about being good for Christmas and then at 6.30pm Santa will switch on our lights and the whole town will be illuminated with a new sparkling curtain of lights added to Lyster Car Park this year which will look amazing.
As the town is glistening, the Laois Community Choir will sing their hearts out as Santa moves to the Sleigh to allow families to capture their selfies with Santa. It is worth noting that the Lower Main Street and Church Avenue will be closed from 4pm until 9pm. Local businesses and residents are asked to make alternative arrangements for their cars and vans, for that short period.
Downtown Portlaoise endeavours each year to deliver a fantastic lighting display in the town and love to extend the features as much as possible.
Andrew Shaw, chairperson of Downtown Portlaoise, 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 my committee for their work in the build up to this exciting evening.” Downtown Portlaoise Jersey is a new fun item added to the Christmas season. This jersey is available in store in Shaws Portlaoise and makes a gorgeous gift which can be sent abroad to those not lucky enough to be home for Christmas. Organisers would love a selfie to be taken from all over the world and emailed to portlaoiseretail@gmail.com or tag Downtown Portlaoise facebook page.
Actor Robert Sheehan and sports star Zack Tuohy are fans and wear the jersey regularly when they want to feel close to home.
The programme for the rest of the week includes: Friday 21 November - Nighttime Economy Grant Scheme – Café late opening after 6pm for Portlaoise and all of the county. Saturday 22 November – Portlaoise Tradfest – A Festive open trad session at Hynds Square – all welcome to bring instruments and join in 2.00 – 3.30pm.
Sunday 23 November - Christmas Dance Party with Niall Doorhy. Interactive jiving, line dancing and social dancing high energy, crowd friendly format suitable for all ages, experienced and those with two left feet. With special guest 2025 Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins 2.30-5pm. Wednesday 26 November - Cookery demonstration hosted by Graham Herterich (The Cupcake Bloke) with Yvonne Carty (Hey Pesto) Erica Drum (Virgin Media) at Dunamaise Theatre with chefs using Laois produce. Demonstrations and exhibitors on the night – exhibitors from 6.30pm and demonstration from 7.30pm.
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 - Arts & Crafts Fair at Dunamaise Theatre with special guest Santa Clause. Times 1pm – 7pm and 11am – 8pm.
Saturday 29 November 2-3.30pm - Portlaoise Jazz Fest at Hynds Square. Tiny Crimes – Jazz of the late 1930s to early 1940s – 2-3.30pm.
Sunday 30 November - The Big Christmas Sing! at Performance and Events Space. Choirs from around the county will sing their favourite songs – 2pm to 4pm.
Tickets for the cookery and dancing events are for €20 and €10 respectively, available on Dunmaise Arts centre Cookery Demo https://dunamaise.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873659489. Dancing https://dunamaise.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/87365.
