Enniscorthy gears up for switching on of Christmas lights

THE switching on of this year’s Christmas lights in Enniscorthy will take place in Market Square, at 6 p.m., on Saturday, November 23.

There will be a packed programme of events taking place on the day including a local radio broadcast from Santa’s Enchanted Castle from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Athenaeum will provide the venue for a children’s arts and crafts workshop between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and there is sure to be great excitement when Santa’s sleigh departs the enchanted castle at 5.30 p.m. leading to the switching on ceremony at 6 p.m.

There will be a parade of characters from the castle in the company of members of the Martina Leacy Dance School.

The organisers told this newspaper there will be free candy canes and bubble wands for children who arrive early - and those interested are encouraged to click ‘attend’ on the event’s facebook page.

A spokesperson for the organising committee commented to this newspaper: ‘ Families can look forward to the magical, interactive experience as they visit the newly decorated Santa’s Enchanted Castle.’

Visitors will be able to adventure through the castle with Smelfie the elf, meet Santa’s busy Elves and some Disney characters in addition to other special friends.

They will also get to enjoy specially themed rooms based around the Lion King, Frozen and The Greatest Showman.

Santa Claus will be in attendance at the castle and in his room children and their parents will get to chat to him and his elves and pose for a family photo before the magic mirror.

Children will also get to take a special gift home.

Such is the level of interest in Santa’s Enchanted Castle the organisers said it’s already 80 per cent booked.

‘Due to such popular demand additional tours have been added to the calendar including on November 23, the day of the Enniscorthy switch on,’ said the committee spokesperson.

It’s expected around 5,000 visitors will come to Enniscorthy in November and December.