Latest Laois Event: Big Christmas Switch on in Portlaoise
Downtown Portlaoise to switch on Portlaoise’s Christmas lights
On Friday evening 24th November between 6-7pm Portlaoise Christmas Lights will be switched on by the man himself, SANTA, at the Lower Square outside the New Library thanks to Downtown Portlaoise and Laois County Council.
Programme of the Event is as follows :
5.45pm Name Seren Roberts, Harpist
Harpist plays some Christmas tunes unplugged sitting on the seat at at our new art sculpture and bouncing the music off the concave disc, designed to reverberate thesound across the Square.
6.00pm Jack Nolan MC Opens proceedings
6.05pm Portlaoise Childrens Choir
6.20pm Jack introduces Cathaoirleach Pascal McEvoy
6.25pm Jack introduces Santa and he welcomes all the children
6.30pm Christmas Lights are switched on
6.35pm Choir sings more Christmas Carols followed by our harpist again, Senan Roberts
6.35pm Santa makes his way to the Sleigh where families can take pictures with him on his Sleigh. Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman, who will also be there, will be keen to have their picture taken also.
7.00pm Event Finished
We would like to ask shoppers and residents to note that there will be a street closure in operation
From 4pm that day. We ask the businesses to remind their customers and staff about the road closure also to ensure no-one gets boxed in.
Downtown Portlaoise wish to thank everyone who has made the Christmas Lights possible again this year. We could not complete this project without the great support from all in Laois County Council to mention a few such as CEO John Mulholland, Wes Wilkinson Town Engineer, Roy Glynn and Michael Buckley Landscaper. Their continued support is greatly appreciated and without them, none of this would be possible. Danny McNulty electrician has the mammoth task of erecting and taking down the lights and this is a huge logistical operation. Only the most organised will get through this project, and Danny has a system in place that ensures our lights go where they are supposed to each year. Alice McCabe, a very valued member of our Downtown Portlaoise Committee, is our tireless secretary who leaves no stone unturned and at the same time includes all our members in everything we do, we are very grateful. Mark Martley, a town man who only knows how to say YES. Mark could not have been more supportive and helped us in every way he can. To Christy Bannon, the only one who can do the job ………. We are lucky to have him in our town. Nothing to compare in the country. We are delighted to have a Downtown Portlaoise member and long standing business man in Portlaoise do MC on the evening.
There is a great tradition of Harp playing in Laois with thanks to the School of Music. We are happy to have Senan Roberts, Harpist, playing on the evening, highlighting the talent that lies within our County.
Last but not least we wish to thank the Childrens Choir under Christine Troy, who always turn up, every year to sing for the lights Switch On. Unfortunately and understandably they had to cancel last year due to the very sad passing of Catherine Quigley who managed the choir for many decades in Portlaoise. Catherine always brought the choir so willingly and we will never forget her contribution to music and song in our town.
Altogether the evening is a sum total of all that is good in Portlaoise and shows how a good community spirit can always ‘GET THE JOB DONE’.