Great feedback from first weekend of Christmas Market

The fantastic feedback received from members of the public following the first two days of the Athlone Christmas Market last weekend is so heartwarming, Cllr Frankie Keena from the Athlone Christmas Market Group has said.

The twelve timber market cabins which are provided this year are fully occupied by fantastic local traders selling a wide variety of fabulous gifts, he added.

"I am delighted to see the popularity of this market growing each year and I now confirm that we have a waiting list of local traders looking for a cabin. We always stated that we want to keep the market to a high spec and now I am glad to see our plan paying off," he commented.

"A lot of work has gone into organising this market by both this group and Athlone Chamber of Commerce with the main objective to create a festive atmosphere for the public and to attract more people to the town.

Gerry McInerney, CEO of Athlone Chamber of Commerce, said the Christmas Market is just one of many initiatives that the Chamber supports.

"We are strong advocates of the need to shop local and our Athlone Gift Card initiative is one prime example of our work. Christmas markets such as this provides another opportunity for the public to enjoy the atmosphere of the festive season and at the same time to support local traders," he added.

Cllr Frankie Keena thanked Westmeath County Council for its financial support towards this market and also Spectrum Signs for sponsoring the promotion signs. The market is on again next weekend from Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19 and he urged the public to come early so as not to miss that special bargain.

In addition to this market next weekend, the Midlands Polish Community is providing a musical extravaganza in Athlone Civic Square next Saturday. This is a show not to be missed so please come along and enjoy, he ended