Christmas market is on but lights switch-on stays virtual

ORGANISERS of this year’s Christmas Market in Ennis have stated the event is going ahead.
Confirmation comes after the official switch-on of Ennis’ Christmas lights, planned for this Friday in Abbey Street, has been replaced with a virtual switch-on.
From December 2 to 5 Abbey Street Carpark will be transformed into a festive Christmas Village with live entertainment, creative crafts and food along with a vintage carousel, Christmas-themed amusements and other festive surprises.
An estimated 10,000 people visited over the three-day event in 2019. Organisers say they are hopeful that by extending the event by an extra day this year, it will facilitate an anticipated increase in numbers. The appetite for live events has increased and to comply with government and public health guidelines an extra day is likely to be necessary.
Thousands of people had been expected to turn out for the official switch-on of the county capital’s Christmas lights this Friday.
However Clare County Council made the “difficult decision” to cancel the public event in light of current public health advice.
Other events organised as part of Christmas in Ennis celebrations in the coming weeks are expected to still go ahead, though the public is being advised to monitor the media for updates.
A statement issued by the local authority stated, “Clare County Council wishes to advise that the official switching on of the Christmas lights in Ennis, due to take place on Friday, November 26, will now take place as a virtual event. Further details of the virtual switching-on event will be announced soon.
“This decision has been taken by Clare County Council based on current public health advice and in view of anticipated numbers of up to 6,000 people attending the event.
“This was a difficult decision and Clare County Council appreciates there will be disappointment for those involved.”
“Other planned events in the Christmas in Ennis programme, including the Christmas Village, Cadbury Postal Service and Retro Drive-In Movies, are expected to go ahead.
“However, we strongly advise that members of the public monitor all media platforms for updates in relation to the planned programme of events.
“Although the traditional switching-on event will not take place this year, the streets of Ennis will be lit up for the festive season ahead, as happens every year. Remember to visit Ennis to shop local and support local, and help to sustain employment within the local community.”