7 Things to do this week.
1
WINTERLAND PARADE IN WEXFORD TOWN: Christmas festivities will officially kick off in Wexford on Saturday November 26 as the Wexford Winterland Parade travels through the town from 4.30 p.m. The parade will be led by Santa Claus and his merry elves who will travel on his magnificent sleigh through the streets of Wexford in a race to turn on the lights before Jack Frost. This year, the parade will will begin from Selskar Square and travel along the Main Street, past the Bullring and up along North Main Street. It will then turn down Anne Street and cross on to the Quay to the Wexford on Ice rink, where the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5 p.m. sharp. This year, the parade will be joined by Beauty and the Beast, brought to you by the Wexford Pantomime Society. Belle, the Beast and many of their friends will help to look after Santa along his journey and keep an eye on the dreaded Jack Frost. The parade is just one part of the Wexford Winterland Festival, which runs across Wexford town from Friday, November 25, to Sunday, January 8.
2
INFUSION LIVE: Wednesday November 23 will see the second of three gigs in the run up to Christmas under the banner ‘Infusion Live Presents’; at Fusion Cafe in Monck Street, Wexford.The gifted Sonny Condell and Leo O’Kelly, who together are better known as Tír na nÓg, will perform in the intimate setting.Tír na nÓg, which was formed in Dublin in 1969, was seen as one of the first progressive folk bands. Their music typically features intricate and complex acoustic guitar playing using different open tunings and close harmony singing. In their early years, they played the UK and international folk club circuits, sharing world stages with icons such as Jethro Tull, Procol Harum, The Who and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.Tír na nÓg continue to tour Ireland, the UK and Europe. They will be supported at the gig by local duo Frankenstein Bolts. Doors open at 8.30pm and admission is €15.
3
ENNISCORTHY CHRISTMAS SWITCH-ON: The switching on of the Christmas lights in Enniscorthy takes place this Saturday at 4 p.m. on the Market Square. Everyone is encouraged to pop along to experience the magic of Christmas with free family entertainment. There will also be an appearance by Santa Claus and his friends - Rudey the Elf and guests from ‘A Quest Before Christmas’. There will also be lots of prizes.
4
JAZZ GIG: Celebrated trumpeter Tomos Williams brings together some of Wales’ and Ireland’s finest jazz musicians to celebrate the work of Miles Davis through a collection of music composed by and associated with the jazz icon at the Wexford Arts Centre. The quintet of renowned musicians have chosen and arranged some of Miles’s best known and best loved pieces and arranged them to produce a show of exciting music; 8.30 p.m. on Thursday, November 24.
5
THE BIG SWITCH-ON IN GOREY: The Christmas lights in Gorey will be officially switched on on Saturday, November 26 by Santa Claus. Compere for the event will be Dave Redmond and there will be live entertainment on stage on the Main Street between 6.45 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. Santa will arrive at 7.15 p.m. on Lower Main Street before hopping abroad his elevated sleigh. He will then make his way up along Main Street accompanied by a garda escort. He will switch on the lights at 7.30pm and this will be followed by a kiddies disco on Main Street.
6
GIANT FESTIVE MARKET: A Giant Christmas Market is being held at Ramsgrange Community School on Sunday, November 27, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This craft fair is shaping up to be the school’s best market yet with more than 100 quality displays positioned indoors all around the school and gym. A Ramsgrange Community School spokesperson said: ‘We believe that this market is the biggest in the South East so it is well worth a visit to buy all your Christmas gifts from local craftspeople. You can even relax during a visit to our student run cafe and beat the rush by visiting Santa in his grotto.’
7
ANTHONY KEARNS IN CONCERT. Kiltealy native Anthony Kearns makes a welcome return home this November to perform at Enniscorthy Golf Club at 8 p.m. The concert on Saturday, November 26, is expected to draw a large crowd. Anthony who also performs as part of the Irish Tenors is renowned for his singing and also performed for Pope Francis in America. Anthony will be accompanied by pianist Patrick Healy and will also perform a number of songs with the Golf Club choir. There will also be a mulled wine reception on arrival with music after the concert by Keith and Dougie. Tickets are €30 and are now on sale at the office and bar in the golf club.