Santa switches on the Longford Town Christmas lights

It was a case of jingle all the way as music and entertainment filled the dark November evening last Friday before the Christmas lights were turned on in Longford town.

Santa and Mrs Claus were on hand to fire up the festive feelings and kick off the Christmas shopping season in style.

There was a huge crowd, young and old, who joined the man in red as he formally switched on the Longford town Christmas lights.

Longford Municipal District, as part of Longford County Council, provided free off-street parking around Longford Town, which will continue each weekend in the run up to Christmas and throughout the two weeks of the festive season.

Having made his way from the North Pole on his sleigh, Santa arrived to Main Street, before officially switching on the Christmas lights at 6.30pm.

Longford County council Cathaoirleach, Colm Murray, and Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Martin Monaghan, joined with a host of other elected members for the shindig. There were a great turnout of young people to get in early wish list requests to Father Christmas.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray paid tribute to Santa. “We know this is a very important and busy time of year for Santa and his elves, so we are really lucky that he is joining us in Longford for this special occasion.

“It was also a wonderful opportunity for families to come out, see Longford’s beautiful Christmas lights display and experience some of the lovely shopping, dining, and hospitality options available in Longford Town again this Christmas,” Cllr Murray said.