Christmas comes early to Mayo this year

CHRISTMAS has come early to Mayo this year.

The festive lighting scheme has been switched in the county town of Castlebar a week earlier than usual to help boost shopping activity.

The event has traditionally taken place on the last Friday of November in recent years but was moved forward in 2019 following consultations with the local retail sector.

The ceremony at Market Square was performed by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District.

It attracted a big turnout of parents and children as they awaited the arrival of Santa. 

Entertainment was provided by Castlebar Concert Band under the direction of Mary Curran.

The central feature of the lighting scheme is an eye-catching  Christmas tree.

But there was controversy earlier this week when the first tree erected at the location got the thumbs-down on social media from local people and Mayo County Council wisely bowed to pressure to replace it.

A nativity crib is also in place at Market Square.

The Christmas Lighting Scheme will be switched-on in Ballina on Sunday evening.