Limerick gets into Christmas spirit to entice in shoppers
THE tallest Christmas tree in Ireland, standing proudly in its unique setting on the River Shannon, will be the centrepiece of Limerick city's Winterfest shopping festival.
The sparkling Christmas lights which traverse the city streets and the lights on the 100-foot "green" Christmas tree will be switched on by boxing hero Andy Lee on Friday, November 20, at 6pm, creating a festive atmosphere for shopping in city stores and at the first ever Georgian Quarter Christmas market.
The tree is 30 feet taller than last year's tree and has been made from salvaged steel from building projects in the city, including Thomond Park and the Shannon Tunnel. It was designed by White Young Greene Consulting Engineers.
The recycled Christmas tree will be the centrepiece of the city's eco-friendly festive celebrations. The Christmas lights across the city will be powered by low energy, low voltage bulbs. There are almost 4000 LED bulbs on the city's bridges, which will result in a 75 per cent saving in running costs for Limerick City Council.
It is hoped that Winterfest 2009 will attract thousands of shoppers to the city from November 20 to 22 for a shopping extravaganza.
Limerick City Council is offering free on-street parking on the Saturday of Winterfest weekend, and businesses displaying a special Winterfest sticker will offer bargains, Christmas specials and up to 50 per cent off purchases.
A choir from St Michael's School will sing traditional carols as people ramble from stall to stall at the Georgian Quarter Christmas market in Pery Square, hosted by No 1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa
The proprietor of No 1 Pery Square, Patricia Roberts came up with the idea of the market, which is being supported by Shannon Development and is being organised in association with Slow Food Limerick.
"The area has a very rich heritage and we wanted to highlight this with a special event," she said
The market opens from 3.30pm on Friday, November 20, continuing on Saturday and Sunday between noon and 5pm on Pery Square.
Eoghan Prendergast, Shannon Development's Limerick development manager, said Winterfest promises to be a great success.
"Winterfest, when combined with other events happening throughout the greater Limerick area, including the Georgian Christmas market, the Magners and Heineken Rugby Games in Thomond Park and the great value offers from the hotel and other accommodation sectors are designed to showcase Limerick to visitors and to appeal to visitors interested in Christmas markets."
Deputy Mayor Cllr Maria Byrne said that she hoped the winter wonderland weekend will attract people to Limerick from near and far.
Parking deals will be available for Harvey's Quay car park from participating Winterfest stores over the weekend.
A Winterfest market will take place on Thomas Street, and the city's weekly markets will take place as usual. The Saturday market will take place on Ellen Street and the Sunday Riverside market in Bedford Row will take place for Winterfest weekend and every weekend leading up to Christmas.
Limerick Winterfest 2009 is sponsored by Limerick City Council and Shannon Development and supported by the Limerick Leader / Limerick Chronicle newspapers, Limerick's Live 95FM, Limerick Chamber of Commerce and Limerick Co-Ordination Office.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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