Athlone Christmas Lights launch to take place this weekend

The highly anticipated Athlone Christmas Lights launch event will take place in the Civic Square on Sunday, December 1 from 3pm to 6pm.

The official turning on of the lights will take place at 5:30pm.

The magical evening will feature a wide range of local community groups, as well as a few famous festive faces to inspire seasonal cheer.

Frozen characters will be present for meet and greets, as well as Mr and Mrs Clause who will be available to meet with children in the Christmas Grotto.

Athlone is set to experience its first ever Christmas Light Tractor run thanks to the local agricultural community.

The tractor run will leave Athlone Football Stadium at 5:30pm, making its way through Church Street and over across Connaught Street to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the show.

The Christmas Light Tractor run is expected to last for roughly an hour, and Westmeath County Council ask that those shopping in Athlone town on this date remember that there will be traffic delays as the convey makes its way through out town.

Athlone Festival and Events Committee and Athlone Family Resource Centre have worked hard over the past few weeks to create this unique event - which is sure to get people of all ages into the festive spirit.