Gorey shines with festive Christmas lights

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Christmas is officially launched in North Wexford. The Big Christmas Switch-On illuminated Gorey last evening with an estimated 10,000 packing Main Steet for the seasonal family event with a guest appearance by Santa Claus ably assisted by Mrs Claus.

Some said it was the largest crowd ever seen at a ‘Switch-On’ and certainly the crowds were massive, and it took Santa a long time to complete his journey along the Main Street to the main stage.

After a short interview with master of ceremonies Dave Redmond Santa kept in tune with the countdown and switch on the Christmas lights to a loud cheer. Mrs Claus was always by his side!

Amongst the VIPs present were Deputies Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Nicky Boland, Darragh McDonald and Craig Doyle, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services.

Lots of special events in Gorey in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas. They have the ‘Most Festive Business Competition’ inviting businesses to showcase the magic of Christmas and Gorey’s fantastic shopping, food and hospitality.

There is a call out to all choirs to sing on the weekends with slots outside Partridges and The Book Café. There is also a new post box for sending that all important mail to Santa. Post early and post often is the message!

We hear that the Christmas trees will be erected in Gorey town on Tuesday… look out for that attraction.

Christmas free parking will be available in Gorey public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29^th, 6^th, 13^th and 20^th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22^nd to 24^th, inclusive.

And don’t forget many businesses in Gorey will be decorating their windows, putting on special offers and inviting regular customers (and new one’s are welcome too!) to celebrate everything that is magical at Christmas time.