Galway businesses are joining forces to make Christmas extra special this year.
With support from the city council, the business community is installing a "festive light and colour experience" which will include large lighting installions and projections on buildings.
The spectacular Christmas decorations - all LED lit to ensure energy efficiency - will be "family focused". Acting as "beacons and attraction points", they will guide visitors throughout the city, while also providing "interactive photo opportunities" in some of the most photographed city centre landmark locations.
Cormac McGuckian, chairperson Galway City Business Association, says the event has come to life thanks to the support of Galway City Council's Brendan McGrath, Mayor Niall McNelis, and Galway city counclilors all working with local business groups.
The council has granted €150,000 to the business groups for Christmas this year with all quarters of the city, the Galway City Business Association, West End, Latin Quarter, Woodquay Village, East Village and Salthill Village, joining forces.
"We are delighted that Galway City Council and councillors have supported the business groups in the Light Up Galway campaign. Christmas is a special time of year for locals, returning friends and family and our visiting guests, and what a better way to showcase our fantastic city," Cormac McGuckian says.
“Light Up Galway” is made possible by a significant grant of €150,000 from Galway City Council. This was approved unanimously by the Mayor and Elected Members of Galway City Council at its most recent meeting. The members of Galway City Council agreed to enhance the experience of Christmas in Galway for residents, visitors and shoppers alike across the city from Salthill, through the West End, the Latin Quarter, the Heart of Galway, Woodquay, Prospect Hill and the East Village around Eyre Square and Forster Street. At the launch of “Light up Galway” in 56 Central, the Mayor, Cllr. Niall McNelis commended all the local business groups for coming together and expressed sincere thanks to his councilor colleagues for supporting this event.
"The 2018 event and decorations promise to be magical. There is something for everyone and we want our visitors to enjoy the festive experience and cheer. Well done to the local communities for coming together and making this possible."
St Anthony & Claddagh and St Columba’s Crédit unions have joined as corporate sponsors for the 'Light Up Galway' Christmas Festival.
There will be a one-off, early evening extravaganza, and a Christmas tour of the city which will commence at 6pm on November16 in Raven Terrace in Galway's westend, pass on to the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street in the Latin Quarter where there will be a 20-minute stop. The parade moves up Shop Street and stops outside Hartman’s on Williams Street, for another 20 minutes then follows on to Woodquay for a further stop and finally back to the finale at Eyre Square.
The Santa Express Train will be leading the city tour. Santa and Mrs. Claus will follow on Santa’s Sleigh, headed by the Ice King and Queen and surrounded by a whole host of Christmas themed characters including world famous Micky and Minnie Mouse.
This year’s events will see a collection on the night for Rosabel’s Room to help raise awareness and support for those suffering from loss of a love one.
Ollie Turner will be the MC on the night of Light Up Galway. At each location Santa will officially turn on the lights along with the Mayor McNeil, and some special guests, including Alan Clarke and Ronan Lardner from Galway Bay FM, local choirs, magicians, and Irish dancers to ensure a fun filled family event.
The business quarters have partnered with event planning company Cuttle Consultancy and well-known local events specialist Arcana to deliver this unique experience, with C2 Security.
The Galway City Council grant was approved unanimously by the Mayor and Galway city councillors at its most recent meeting. The members of Galway City Council agreed to enhance the experience of Christmas in Galway for residents, visitors and shoppers across the city.
For more information follow social media Visit Galway City Facebook and Instagram pages. To get in touch or to volunteer on the night email [email protected].
