Georgian Christmas celebration to take place on the Crescent in Limerick city

SEVERAL Limerick communities and local people have come together to create "an event for all" on the Crescent on O’Connell Street in Limerick city.

The event was made possible by the decision of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) to close the area from 12–6pm on Sunday, December 22.

This "neighbourhood festive gathering" is the result of just a few weeks of organising by a small voluntary committee.

The event will include many elements of a Georgian Limerick Christmas. Attendees can stroll through the Crescent "awakening the festive spirit of times past". 

On the day, guests can "experience the magic" of street theatre, panto, choirs, sacred Latin recitals and jazzy melodies. 

The Santa Paws will be available all afternoon for families, including pets, to come and enjoy a festive treat.

The group hope to reimagine the Christmas spirit of Limerick by inviting several groups to participate in this "immersive experience for all the family" in the heart of Georgian Limerick.

The event will start at 1pm with a recital of Christmas hymns in the former Jesuit Church now run by the Christ The King Sovereign Priests, as well as a chance to view the recently redecorated Church and festive crib. 

People will then be invited to listen to the dulcet tones of the Milford NS Carol Singers, a children’s choir under the direction of teacher, Orla Murray.

Goldilocks and the Ringmaster from Limerick Panto Society’s sell out of run Goldilocks will bring a change of pace with a bit of fun and games, before dancers from the panto will perform a flash mob. 

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At around 2:30pm, performers and animators from the local community and Lumen Street Theatre will enthrall the crowd with a piece of immersive street theatre inspired by A Christmas Carol, but with a genuine Limerick twist. Come witness Mr Scrooge as he redeems his humanity from the households on the street.

Finally, at around 3:30pm, jazz band 16 Tons of Jive will take the main stage to dance the evening away providing lots of Christmas hits to see families dancing and enjoying themselves on the very streets of Limerick.

With over 20 different local groups form all over Limerick participating, the event is open to all.

Mayor John Moran said: "Henri, Damien and I are so looking forward to seeing this wonderful public space come alone in a pet-friendly way for Christmas, and spending some fun downtime with locals and visitors alike. I want to thank the organising committee, the sponsors, my colleagues at Limerick City and County Council, and others who have made this all possible and made it clear that all, young and old are welcome. This Christmas we have been able to trial many new initiatives in Limerick and I hope we can build on those in years to come as we turn Limerick into a Christmas wonderland."

Event committee chair, Lorna Hodkinson, added: "This year we have a unique opportunity to create another active space in the heart of Limerick Georgian Quarter and many different groups have come together to make this happen. We want families from all over Limerick and beyond to come and enjoy what we have created here. All are welcome and we hope you enjoy our hospitality! Come and enjoy Christmas in Limerick’s Georgian Quarter. It is Limerick’s Georgian Gem in the centre of the city."

This event is supported by No1 Pery Square, The Commercial, J Hodkinson Sons, Ecclesiastical Decorators, South’s Bar, Bowe Dental, LCCC, and others. It is presented by the local neighbourhood of the Georgian Quarter and the wonderful talent of Limerick city in collaboration with Mayor Moran.