Downtown Portlaoise and Laois County Council have announced that the Christmas Lights will be switched on at Portlaoise Library on Friday, November 24.
A street closure in operation from 4pm that day and events get underway at 5.45pm with Harpist Seren Roberts.
He will play some Christmas tunes unplugged sitting on the seat at the new art sculpture.
The music is designed to bounce off the concave disc which will reverberate the sound across the Square.
Local business man and Midlands 103 commentator Jack Nolan will MC the event with Portlaoise Children’s Choir performing.
Cathaoirleach Pascal McEvoy will speak and then, at 6.25pm, Santa will welcome all the children.
6.30pm will see the Christmas lights switched on and at 6.35pm, the choir will sing more Christmas Carols followed by the harpist again – Seren Roberts.
A spokesperson said: “Downtown Portlaoise wish to thank everyone who has made the Christmas Lights possible again this year.
“We could not complete this project without the great support from all in Laois County Council to mention a few such as CEO John Mulholland, Wes Wilkinson Town Engineer, Roy Glynn and Michael Buckley Landscaper.
“Their continued support is greatly appreciated and without them, none of this would be possible. Danny McNulty electrician has the mammoth task of erecting and taking down the lights and this is a huge logistical operation.
“Only the most organised will get through this project, and Danny has a system in place that ensures our lights go where they are supposed to each year.
“Alice McCabe, a very valued member of our Downtown Portlaoise Committee, is our tireless secretary who leaves no stone unturned and at the same time includes all our members in everything we do, we are very grateful.
“Mark Martley, a town man who only knows how to say YES. Mark could not have been more supportive and helped us in every way he can. To Christy Bannon, the only one who can do the job. We are lucky to have him in our town. Nothing to compare in the country.
“We are delighted to have a Downtown Portlaoise member and long standing business man in Portlaoise do MC on the evening.
“There is a great tradition of Harp playing in Laois with thanks to the School of Music. We are happy to have Seren Roberts, Harpist, playing on the evening, highlighting the talent that lies within our County.
“Last but not least we wish to thank the Childrens Choir under Christine Troy, who always turn up, every year to sing for the lights Switch On.
“Unfortunately and understandably they had to cancel last year due to the very sad passing of Catherine Quigley who managed the choir for many decades in Portlaoise.
“Catherine always brought the choir so willingly and we will never forget her contribution to music and song in our town.
“Altogether the evening is a sum total of all that is good in Portlaoise and shows how a good community spirit can always ‘GET THE JOB DONE’.”
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