Help make Laois town be the brightest beacon

The Mountmellick Christmas Tree Committee (MCTC) is keen to engage with residents, business owners, community and voluntary groups, young and elderly to share ideas on the future of Mountmellick’s Christmas tree, and how to power it sustainably within the context of climate action.

An idea-sharing workshop will take place at Mountmellick Library on Saturday, March 23, 11am-1pm as part of a programme of public engagement events in 2024, with all community members welcome to attend and participate.

MCTC’s ‘The Valley Star Project – a reimagining of Mountmellick Christmas tree through the lens of climate action’ is a one year project which prioritises public engagement and culminates in an outdoor presentation of Christmas tree prototypes informed by local people at O’Connell Square in December 2024.

The objective is to engage as many people as possible, documenting their imaginative as well as logistical design ideas for Christmas tree prototypes that are powered using green energy. The committee’s ambition is that local people are involved in the generation of ideas, the design process and contribute to the making of the prototypes.

Pictured are members of the Mountmellick Christmas Tree committee at the launch of the new project. 

“Attending the recent ‘Idea-Sharing’ workshop was an incredibly enriching experience, marked by a clear enthusiasm of all who took part. It was obvious from the discussions that the Christmas tree holds a special place in the hearts of our community, underscoring its importance in our shared traditions and memories," he said.

Paddy encouraged everyone to participate in the next session.

"Come along to share your thoughts and insights. Remember, attending these sessions is your chance to contribute to the future; and ‘if you’re not in, you can’t win’, as the saying goes,” he said.

Paul Lalor also took part in the idea-sharing workshop on March 9.

“As an amateur photographer, I have taken many photos of Mountmellick Christmas tree over the years. I have seen it change and adapt over the decades. Having also worked on the tree for a number of Christmases, I can honestly say that the opportunity to voice my opinion and contribute to The Valley Star Project was great. It’s incredible to see how each of our ideas, no matter how big or small, can come together to help along the way.

“This project is all about- community. I encourage every to join us at the next brainstorming session; your ideas and energy are what will make this project shine even brighter,” he said.

All are welcome to the next Idea-Sharing workshop at Mountmellick Library on Saturday, March 23.

No booking required, drop in between 11am-1pm to share your aspirations, thoughts and ideas with artist Martina Coyle, and science communicator Catherine McGuinness.

The Valley Star Project is funded by the Creative Ireland Programme - Creative Climate Action Fund II (Spark). Reimagining Mountmellick Christmas tree has the potential to become a national flagship example of how cultural heritage is both affected by and can be a powerful tool in combatting climate change, and how communities, heritage and climate action can work hand in hand for a sustainable future.

To find out more about the project, contact [email protected] and follow the project on the Mountmellick Christmas Tree social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, with updates on all upcoming engagement sessions, creative workshops, surveys, and community events.