Christmas Lights - Thurles Town Centre
It is now confirmed, Christmas fun and cheer is coming to Liberty Square, Thurles this year, with the first major Thurles Christmas Market, which is being organised by the Thurles Chamber in association with Tipperary animal charity “Cottage Rescue.”
Following the successful Cottage Rescue Christmas Market last year and the Tipperary Food Fayre last August, latter organised by Thurles Chamber, the two organisations have now decided to join forces to host the 2011 Thurles Christmas Market on Sunday 11th December in Liberty Square, Thurles, beginning at 1.00pm to 6.00pm.
There will be an abundance of local crafts people at this market, e.g. Steve Martin’s Handmade Toys and wood turning from Donal Ryan and Johnny McCarthy.
Children can have their faces painted in a festive style by Masquerade Face Painting, while dad can check out a variety of hand-made jewellery on offer from a number of stalls and perhaps choose a gift for his wife or partner.
Among the other local businesses that have confirmed stalls on the day are Angelic Ambiance, Dwan’s Hardware, Fior Skin Care, Anne Hogan Christmas Decorations and Martina Heffernan with her Aloe Vera products.
If it is food for your Christmas dinner you are after, you will not be disappointed, with the best of Tipperary food produce on display to help you plan that special Christmas family menu. You can pick up or order a locally produced turkey from Premier Meats or if its other poultry you are after then Mick Connors will be on hand at his stall to advise. Quality sausages will be available from Peter Small and Two-Mile-Borris beef from John Commins straight from his Piemontese herd. Inch House Artisan Foods will have Nora Egan’s renowned black pudding on offer on the day, along with homemade cakes which will also be available from the Liberty Market stall.
Why not treat yourself to some delicious locally produced cheeses from Triskel Cheese and Cooleney Cheese.
For those with a sweet tooth there will be stalls from Api’s Chocolates and Ginger Bread from Angeli McLoughlin. Friend of Cottage Rescue, local photographer Sinead Ni Riain, also plans to have a stall at the market, so again a perfect opportunity to pick up that Christmas gift for somebody.
It goes without saying that a majority of the shops in Thurles, e.g. Liberty Square, Friar Street, West Gate, Croke Street, Baker Street, Parnell Street, The Mall, Slievenamon Rd, Kickham Street and Mitchell Street, will also have their doors thrown wide open on the day, many offering very special discounts on the day.
Organiser Nikki Veasey of Cottage Rescue hopes this Christmas Market will help bring people together, while showcasing the quality produce presently being manufactured at local level. “Nobody need ever travel to Dublin to experience a Christmas market, we will be hosting the best Christmas Market in the county, while showcasing Tipperary’s finest foods and hand made crafts.” confirms Nikki.
Some of the stall holders are planning on dressing up in period costume, which will bring an old fashioned yet traditional feeling to this market, thus reminding people of a bygone age in this market town. Tom Noone will be “controlling the microphone,” keeping visitors informed of all activities on the day.
As well as the stalls, there will be street entertainment, featuring music by the fast rising local band sensation, Autonomous i. Others entertainment will include pony and cart rides, vintage cars and of course a confirmed visit by Father Christmas. HQ Nightclub Thurles have organised a Children’s Disco for 4-10 year olds, with Santa Claus confirmed as making an appearance on the dance floor.
Thurles Chamber and Thurles Town Council will be turning on the town’s Christmas lights so it is going to be a fantastic occasion for families, friends and the community as a whole, to get together and celebrate all that is good about Thurles and County Tipperary.
It is hoped that local charities like Cottage Rescue, Cabragh Wetlands and Friends of the Children of Chernobyl will raise much needed funds on the day.
If you are interested in participating in this 2011 Thurles Christmas Market, there is still time to contact Nikki at Cottage Rescue on Tel: 087 6310140 or email veasey@eircom.net to book your exhibition space.
Remember shopping locally protects local employment, so demonstrate your loyalty to Thurles Town this Christmas.
Photo courtesy G.Willoughby.
Looking forward to Thurles Christmas Market.
Just wondering if there is a Christmas Market this year
Breda
Hi Breda,
Regret I cannot answer this question. However I will try to find out.