Santa is coming to Edgeworthstown to switch on Christmas lights

Preparations are well in train for the switching on of the Christmas lights in Edgeworthstown and the big man himself will be on hand to perform the official function on Sunday, December 8.

The town was quick off the mark when they put the festive lights up earlier this month. In promoting the event local organisers say Christmas is incomplete without a chunk of decoration across the town.

“When we speak of decorations, the first thing that pops our head is the Christmas Light Displays in Edgeworthstown.”

The organisers are inviting people from all across the county to explore the dazzling Christmas festivities at the turning on of the Edgeworthstown lights.

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For Jimmy Connell the lighting up of the town is the starting point for the festive season.

“Over the last number of years the Edgeworthstown traders have got together to organise what is now an annual event. This has been brilliant for the town.

“The venue we now have, the Plaza in front of the library, is the sort of courtyard that is just ideal for hosting the gathering. This year there are new lights, to add to the display that has been growing over the last number of years. They've got a fabulous new LED lit Christmas tree.”

Jimmy says the community aspect of the Edgeworthstown switch on is what makes it so special.

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“People just come out and safely gather in a perfect setting. It is great for kids to play and the adults can enjoy the music of Peter Costello. The local choir will sing and, of course, the man himself Santa Claus will be visiting. It's just a great community event.”

The Library Plaza is perfect for facilitating the get together.

“It is such a brilliant venue for it. We used to be tight enough on the footpaths. Now we have that brilliant community space in front of the library to just showcase everything.”

In the last year the town has blossomed. From the facilities at the library to the continued success of co:worx, to hosting the National Famine commemoration in the town's Green, 2024 has been a great year for the town.

“There's so many places around the town that nurture a sense of community.

“From the community centre, to the new bandstand on the Green and the new walkway around the football pitch.

There is a lot going on for the town. It's improved immensely over the last number of years. We have a new café that opened up last week,” Jimmy says.

He says the community spirit in the town is very high.

“We do sometimes get a bit of negative press, but we keep fighting against that. Christmas is a big thing in Edgeworthstown.

"You'll see a lot of people coming into the town to celebrate.

“With new businesses opening up, there are many reasons for people to come in and to celebrate Christmas and spend a few pounds locally. It's not easy out there for small businesses trying to keep afloat. It's very important we all go into our own local community shops and spend those few euros there and keep these places open and keep the lights on in every town in Ireland.”
The turning on of the lights will see an influx of visitors to Edgeworthstown. “Everybody just comes out in support. You get to see people you might not have seen since last Christmas, have a chat and perhaps a hot chocolates and cookies. It's just brilliant.”

People from across Longford are invited along to take part in the Christmas spirit by taking a glimpse of the very beautiful Christmas light displays across Edgeworthstown.

The illumination will have the official switching on ceremony on Sunday, December 8 when Santa will be flying in to mark the occasion.