Lights, Santa, fireworks fun

THE Christmas season started in explosive fashion in Wexford last Saturday evening, with the switching on of the town’s festive lights and a fireworks display over the harbour.

A huge crowd turned out for the event which featured a colourful parade of costumed characters through the Main Street and Anne Street from Selskar Square, led by a sleigh carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Giant puppets from street theatre company Buí Bolg including Jack Frost added to the spectacle along with members of Wexford Pantomime Society dressed as characters from their forthcoming January 2020 show ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.

Down on the quays, Santa Claus joined with the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. George Lawlor for the countdown and ceremonious switch-on of the lights.

Wexford District Council has provided additional Christmas lights at South Main Street this year while new lights were purchased to replace faulty lighting along Wexford Bridge, Monck Street and Charlotte Street.

Festive music will be piped along the Main Street each weekend during December, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and everyday during Christmas week.

There will be free parking in all Council car parks in Wexford town on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, December 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Santa’s North Pole Experience featuring an Elves Workshop, will open on November 29, continuing to December 23, with children under 12 months free.

The Christmas Express train which is part of the Wexford Winterland Programme, will start on November 30, operating from the Bullring on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 15 and everyday from December 16 to 23.

The Wexford on Ice skating rink which is sponsored by McCauley Pharmacies will open on the quayfront on November 29 and will continue until January 5.

Stability aids are available for first-time skaters and ice marshals are on hand to assist. A dedicated children’s rink is also part of the experience. Individual and group bookings should be made to the box office on 053 9199199, hello@lantern.ie or wexfordwinterland.com.

Fireworks light up the sky as the Christmas lights are switched on, to the delight of a large crowd.

Dylan and Aime Barry with Santa.

Mark and Tara Wherity from Duncormick with their children Donnacha and Cian.

Mayor George Lawlor and Santa Claus turn on the Wexford Christmas lights.

Amanda O’Neill, Harvey O’Neill and Kathleen Howlin.

Patrick and John Beary with Santa.

Mason Whitty, Lynn Flood and Fionn Flood.