Free festive fun in Tuam this weekend

FESTIVE fun will jingle all the way to Tuam this weekend as the business community invites everyone to enjoy free events and celebrate the switching on of the town's Christmas lights. A major drive is under way to encourage families to shop local and keep the Christmas spend in town. [private] Fiver Friday makes a comeback in Tuam with a wide range of shops and services offering special €5 deals. Tuam Chamber of Commerce says there was a huge reaction to the first Fiver Friday and are delighted that so many businesses were eager to come on board again. This year, the switching on of the Christmas lights has become a bigger event as a result of a new Tuam Lights Up committee. Cllr Sally Ann Flanagan says everyone has worked hard to offer something for all ages throughout the weekend and she hopes people will come to town and soak up the festive atmosphere. Santa will be in town all weekend and children will be able to visit his grotto in the Square (Corralea Court Hotel archway) on Friday and Saturday afternoon. There will be plenty of free entertainment in the Square after lunchtime on Saturday with carol singing and performances by the many youth groups in the town. Children will enjoy special Christmas storytelling and arts and crafts in Tuam Library between 3.30 and 4.30 pm, while there will be lots of I Spy fun around the Square also. The lead-up to the switching on of the lights begins at 6 pm in the Square, when the area becomes closed off to traffic, to allow as many people fill the streets as possible. Tuam's Cub Scouts have been holding a raffle and the lucky winner will get to turn on Tuam's beautiful Christmas lights. Businesses have also been encouraged to be more creative with their window displays this year and the best dressed window will be announced on Saturday evening. All of this will be followed by live music in the Square from local musicians and bands. Activities have also been organised for Sunday with music in the Square from 1 pm and a free puppet show takes place upstairs in Canavan's Bar at 1.30 pm. A Christmas movie will be shown upstairs in the Brogue Bar at 3 pm. â€â€ SH [/private]