A CLOSE-KNIT group of Ennis students are once again helping to bring some festive cheer to the town while showcasing their impressive stitching skills.

Ennis National School’s knitting and crafting club ‘The Crafty Crew’  have taken over the window of Insomnia Cafe in the Ennis Shopping Centre on Francis Street with a dazzling display of knitted and crocheted items.

And if you look closely, you might just see some familiar characters in this year’s display which has been created with the theme of ‘ElfFest’ a rock concert for elves.

The club, made up of children from third to sixth class, as well as their parents and grandparents have been working hard to complete the display which was unveiled in recent days and will remain in place until New Year’s Day.

Over the past three years, Ennis National School has taken over the cafe’s window with a Christmas display and according to teacher Ciara Harding the children always look forward to seeing their works on show.

Explaining the idea behind the display she tells us, “Purl and Jam an elf rock band from the North Pole are headlining and have borrowed (stolen) instruments from Ennis National School.

“The Baubles a Beatles elf tribute band, Freddy Mer-Christmas, and Axl Snow are also performing. Unfortunately, the general public will not be admitted to the Concert itself as it is only open to elves and happens at midnight each night in the shopping centre. Non-elves, otherwise known as people, who wish to see the display are welcome to view it from now until January 1.”

As well as the knitted items, A Christmas Wish Book has been placed inside the door for visitors to write their Christmas wishes.

“Elvera the Head Elf will deliver the book to Santa before Christmas,” adds Ms Harding. “Thanks to our school community for making this project possible. Happy Christmas from everyone at Ennis National School.”