Longford to light up this weekend as Santa jets in to switch on Christmas lights

The man in the red suit is making his way to Longford to turn on the Christmas lights.

Facilitated by Longford County Council Father Christmas flicks the switch at 5pm on Saturday, November 26, at the Longford Courthouse.

Chamber President Fiona Fenelon said this is a vital time of year for the viability of all businesses: “The message we really want to get out is about the value of shopping local.

“Anyone who visits Longford at this time of year will be astonished by the variety available. We have so many amazing retail outlets. The importance of supporting our local businesses at this time of the year cannot be over emphasised. Right across the county Longford's bars and restaurants are really top class and we hope the public will support them,” Fiona told the Leader.

Longford County Council executive members have indicated that Christmas lights in the county town will see “a reduction in the amount of time the lights are on”.

At a council meeting earlier this month Independent Councillor Gerry Warnock emphasised the importance of the Christmas lights, describing them as “a morale booster” for people in the town: “While I do appreciate we all have to do our bit to curtail energy consumption, I would suggest going down the rout of reduced time. We want a punchy Christmas lights for the people of Longford. Longford is the premium town in the county.”

The local authority have also informed of their free off street parking in the run up to the Festive season. On Friday November 25, Saturday November 26, Saturday December 3, Saturday December 10 and everyday from Saturday December 17 to Saturday December 31 all off street car parks will be free of charge.