Christmas season kicks off with spectacular fireworks show
Over 4,000 people attended Lightfest at Carlow Town Hall on Saturday Photos: Michael O'Rourke
SPECIAL guest Santa Claus was on hand to kick off Christmas in Carlow this weekend with the launch of , as families from all over Carlow came together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
The day began in Carlow Library, where children were able to immerse themselves in the specially-decorated Santa Room and write letters to the Big Man in anticipation of Christmas morning. Santa then embarked on a festive tour around the county aboard his iconic big red bus, while his reindeer got some much-needed rest before their upcoming journey across the world.
People gathered at roadsides and in village centres to greet Santa as he passed by, before he returned to Carlow town centre in time for the flagship event of the day – Lightfest.
Over 4,000 people gathered at Carlow Town Hall, where there were artisan food stalls, funfair rides, children’s activities and more. Music was provided by Maryann & Band, Abbaesque and DJ Matt, who led the official countdown to Santa’s arrival just after 6pm and the much-anticipated fireworks display.
Just after Santa appeared on stage in front of the crowd, the Christmas lights in the town were officially switched on, capping off a magical day for all in attendance.
will continue through the month of December with the next event taking place on Saturday 6 December, when Santa’s Big Red Bus rolls into Tullow. For the full programme of events, visit www.carlow.ie
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Santa Claus arrives at Carlow Town Hall along with minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Carlow chamber president Norah Ryan and mayor of Carlow Paul Doogue
Abba tribute band ABBAesque performing at Lightfest
● Unfortunately, not all residents of Carlow town were able to join in the festive fun. A video posted to Facebook by Jackson Gafforelli on Sunday showed some visibly distressed swans as the nearby fireworks lit up the night sky above them. Swans are protected under Irish and European Union laws, which prohibit their hunting, trapping and disturbance.
Under section 22 of the , it is illegal to wilfully disturb a protected wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or unfledged young, with penalties for offences ranging from €500 to €5,000.
Carlow County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment from .
