LoveDrogheda hoping for November 19 switch-on to kickstart the Christmas Season earlier
You may be wondering why the Drogheda Christmas lights are being installed earlier this year, even before Halloween?
Santa has not changed his schedule but fear not, there is a reason, in fact there are several and Niall Kierans, Chairman of the LoveDrogheda BID (Business Improvement District) took some time out this week to explain all to Drogheda Life.
‘The lights are going up that little bit earlier this year for quite a number of reasons, we are planning to turn on the lights this year on Friday 19th November to kick start the Christmas Season that little bit earlier.
“We are conscious of the fact that many businesses have had a horrible time leading up to Christmas with the disruption caused by Covid.
“It is hoped that turning on the Christmas cheer that little bit earlier will be of benefit to these businesses and may spread out the Christmas trade, which may alleviate overcrowding and supply issues.
“However, it is not just about business, it is also about the public, who may appreciate the bit of cheer and colour the lights bring. They can be enjoyed by all, regardless of whether they are shoppers or not.
“Children get the most pleasure out of Xmas lights, as evidenced by the huge crowds that turn up for the turning on ceremony each year. It is our hope that, Covid permitting, we can do a turning on ceremony again this year, so stay in touch with Drogheda Life for updates.
“We are also hanging much more lighting than in previous years, which obviously takes much longer to install. This year, for the first time ever, there will be Christmas lights on Trinity Street and we have a fantastic canopy of lights lined up for Stockwell Street – just like the ones in the photo above.
“This is all compared to a much smaller scheme that used to be done before the LoveDrogheda BID took over this project.
Other issues also affect the decision, if it is left too late to install the lights and the weather turns bad, (as is common this time of year), the lights may not be in place in time.
“The availability of contractors to do the installation also affects the start date as most contractors are very busy at this time of year and can’t guarantee their availability to work later in the season.
“…we do understand that people may not always welcome what seems like a hasty start, but we have put a lot of thought into what we are doing, and we feel that this is the right balance.
“We hope that the people of Drogheda, and visitors to the town, appreciate all that is being done in the hope that we make our town as welcoming to all as it possibly can.
All we ask is that people embrace their town and shop and socialise locally as best they can, and we hope that they enjoy the effort that LoveDrogheda BID has gone to to make that happen.
“Finally, don’t forget, if you are looking for a simple gift, welcomed by all, or wish to reward an employee or friend, the Love Drogheda Gift Card is readily available in participating stores, our office in Meat Market lane or from our website, lovedrogheda.ie
