Date announced for switching on of Athlone's Christmas lights
The installation of Athlone's Christmas lights has gotten underway, with Sunday, December 1, announced as the date when they will be switched on with a ceremony in the civic square at 4pm.
The town's Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena, is secretary of the Athlone Festival & Events Group which is responsible for erecting the town's Christmas lights. The group said the installation of the lights would take place over the coming weeks in order to ensure that the town is "beautifully illuminated in time for the holiday season".
The group said the lights display would be "spread as much as possible throughout the town" in an effort to create a magical atmosphere for families, shoppers, and tourists.
The Chairman of the Athlone Festival & Events Group, John Henson, said it had again engaged a contractor to erect the festive lights this year and that it planned to provide extra lighting in certain areas.
Mr Henson thanked Westmeath County Council for the funding towards this work, and said the group was always looking for more businesses to get involved and assist with the effort to help light up their streets.
As work begins on the installation, the public is advised that there may be minor traffic disruptions in certain areas during the set-up phase.
The contractor is working to minimise any inconvenience, and the Athlone Festival & Events Group said it appreciates the community's patience and cooperation during the installation period.
Cllr Keena said the Christmas lights are "an important part of our town's festive spirit," bringing joy to residents and visitors alike.
"This year, more than ever, we want to make Athlone a place of warmth and celebration as we embrace the holiday season," he said.
The Athlone Family Resource Centre has teamed up with the Festival and Events group to help with the switching on of the lights on December 1 at 4pm in the Civic Square.
Santa Claus will be a special guest at the switching on of the lights, and a further announcement about what's in store at the event will made later this month.