DUSTIN The turkey will officially kick start the festive lights this year at Limerick ChristmasFest 2012 with his UCH panto co-star Leanne Moore and Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerry McLoughlin on Friday November 16 at 6pm on Thomas Street.
Children’s favourite Dustin and “Youre a Star” Leanne Moore are following in the foosteps of The Coronas, Jonah Lomu and Paul O’Connell by kicking off the Christmas celebrations in Limerick later this month.
The build up to the event will start from 4.30pm on Friday, November 16 with live music from the Christmas Hollies Quartet, The Limerick Gospel Choir and the 10 piece brass band The Pearly Whites while the evening will be hosted by Catriona Tierney from Limerick’s Live 95FM. Local magician Steve Spade will entertain the crowd along with actor Myles Breen.
A total of €100,000 has been spent by Limerick City Council in 2012 on Limerick’s Christmas lights with new displays on William Street, Catherine Street and Thomas Street. New lights at Debenhams and Bedford Row will be 2.9m high while the illuminations on Roches Street will be 1.9m in height.
Following the lights spectacle, Dustin and Leanne will continue the Christmas festivities in Limerick by starring in the UCH’s panto; Cinderella. Leanne will fill the glass slippers for the lead role of Cinderella beginning from December 19th over the festive period while two other pantomimes will also take place in the Belltable and Limetree theatre.
Mayor of Limerick Cllr. Gerry McLoughlin said he is especially looking forward to this year’s festivities. “The turning on of the lights is one of my favourite Christmas events because it showcases Limerick at its best, families filling the streets and the city looks magical when it is all lit up,” he explained.
Turning on the Christmas lights marks the start of ChristmasFest in Limerick with many exciting events to follow including Limerick on Ice, Christmas craft markets, fairs and outdoor activities for children with free on-street parking every day from 2pm on December 8.
