Official turning on of Athlone Christmas Lights set for Sunday
The highly anticipated turning on of the Athlone Christmas Lights will take place in the Civic Square on Sunday, November 30, at 5.45pm.
The turning on of the Christmas lights is the highlight of a festive launch event which will start in the Civic Square at 4.30pm.
The event will mark the official start of the festive season in the town, the honour this year being awarded to players from the Premier Division and FAI Cup winning Athlone Town women's senior team.
Chairman of the Athlone Festival and Events Group John Henson said the much-lauded annual tradition, with Pete Casey as MC, will also feature a host of live entertainment with performances from Mary Fox's local talented singers and Attitude Dance Group.
"Starting at 4.30pm in the Civic Square, we will build up the atmosphere with live entertainment from local groups ahead of the turning on of the Christmas tree lights at 5.45pm. The Christmas tree will bring a dazzling display of festive lights that will remain a centrepiece in Athlone throughout the holiday season," John said.
The chairman said it was "only fitting" that the Christmas lights were turned on by the "fantastic Athlone Town women's team".
"This fabulous team has flown the Athlone flag proudly both nationally and internationally, so it is only right and fitting that they are pushing the button," John added.
Santa Claus will also grace the launch event on Sunday evening, arriving to the Civic Square in a festive tractor parade, courtesy of the Athlone Agri Show committee.
"Of course we couldn’t say no to the boos who will arrive in time for the turning on of the Christmas lights, greet the children and spread festive cheer," John said.
The chairperson also paid tribute to the "core members of the committee", Dolores Crerar, Cllr Frankie Keena and Cllr Aengus O’Rourke "who are taking the lead in organising the event this year".
"I wish to thank the Athlone Family Resource Centre who have kindly made a large financial contribution towards the event, while special appreciation must also go to Tara Ravenhill, branch secretary and national executive member of An Post Communication Workers' Union (CWU) for the generous financial donation that she made on behalf of her members. This money will cover the costs of purchasing all the sweets for the children. Athlone Sweets must also be thanked for their support.
"While the responsibility for providing the Christmas lights falls to the voluntary Athlone Festival and Events Group, the financial support from Westmeath County Council towards the Athlone Christmas Lights is much appreciated," John Henson concluded.