Christmas lights will be turned on in Athlone today

The turning on of the Christmas lights this year will take place at Athlone Castle this evening at 5.30pm, marking the traditional lead-up to Christmas festivities in the town.

Various Christmas festivities will get underway at 5.30pm culminating in the turning on of the lights at 6pm by Mayor of Athlone Municipal District, Councillor John Dolan. There will be performances from a number of local choirs including Angie Bannon and The Coosan Folk group and the children from Mary Whelan-Fox’s School of Speech & Drama.
Christmas characters from local street theatre company Tonnta will encourage everyone to get into the Christmas spirit and sing along to the carols. Santa has also promised to make a special appearance for the occasion. The castle keep will have a face painting corner for children and hot chocolate will be served to keep the chill away thanks to Savoury Fare.
Mayor Dolan said he is delighted to be switching on the Christmas lights in the courtyard of Athlone Castle with the help of some local children. He congratulated Athlone Castle and all the organisers for making the turning on of the Christmas lights for Athlone an exciting colourful and musical event. He is delighted that Westmeath County Council can again offer such support for Christmas lights and welcomed the efforts of the businesses in the town to showcase all that Athlone has to offer.
Chamber of Commerce President John McGrath stated: “Athlone Chamber is delighted that this year’s lights are to be switched on at Athlone Castle. The event should be great and the fact that so many organisations and volunteers are involved is a testament to the work being carried out across a number of communities and organisations such as the local authority, businesses through the Chamber of Commerce and Destination Athlone, Athlone Arts and Tourism. It should be a great beginning to the festive season which we urge people to consider supporting local this Christmas and thinking twice before considering spending your money elsewhere when locally it can provide a better future for generations to come.

Meanwhile, Moate Partnership Group will put up the town's Christmas Lights display from 7am next Sunday, November 27. If anyone can volunteer an hour or two of their time during the day please contact 086 0692326. Any help would be greatly appreciated.