'It is so important that we all shop local': County Mayor urges support for Midleton in the run-up to Christmas 

The County Mayor is encouraging people to show their support for Midleton following the recent devastating floods in the town and has announced a special series of events planned for the area in the run up to Christmas.

The town’s Christmas lights are to be turned on during a day-long programme of events this Sunday welcoming the festive season in county Cork.

As part of the day, the Courtyard at Sage Restaurant will be transformed into Santas’s Grotto until 3.00pm with a special sensory event taking place from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon.

There will be a Christmas Fair at The Fair Green sponsored by GEDA construction and Pirate Pete Magic Shows at the Midleton Park Hotel throughout the day.

At 6.15pm, local girl Orla Hennessy will turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

The day will be extra special for Orla’s family who say they are extremely grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Crumlin and the Mercy Hospital who played a vital role in getting Orla to where she is today.

Orla was 6-years-old when she was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder.

She underwent a bone marrow transplant last October with her older sister Shannon as donor.

As a result of her illness Orla missed all of senior infants, but thanks to teachers Aisling and Niamh providing home tuition, she has since been able to return to school and rejoin her friends in first class.

Speaking ahead of the events, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said, “The Midleton Christmas Lights Committee have put huge work into making sure the turning on ceremony is bigger and brighter than ever. 

"We have witnessed incredible community spirit in the town of Midleton and surrounding areas in recent weeks. Everyone came together to support the homes and businesses damaged by the worst flooding in decades. These businesses are now reopening, are about to enter what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for them and it is so important that we all continue to shop local and support them. 

"Sunday’s event will reflect this spirit and more and I am asking people from near and far to visit Midleton and to pick up some unique Christmas gifts.”

Making it easy to shop local 

Midleton Christmas Lights Committee representative Rebecca Darcy said, “We want to ensure that as many people as possible get to experience the magic of Christmas in Midleton this year. 

"Santa’s Grotto is free to enter and the gifts have been kindly donated by the BWG Value Centre in Little Island. We are also working closely with the St Vincent de Paul to enable local families they support to enjoy the festivities. The annual Christmas Fair runs from midday until 8.00pm and there will be plenty of food stalls and crafts. We will also have a DJ, local groups performing and fun characters making their way around the town. 

"The aim of the day is to encourage people to visit Midleton for the turning on ceremony, to get a taste of the fantastic businesses and craft makers and for them to return again and again to shop local.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added, “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to shop locally and to experience the magic of Christmas on their doorstep. It has been a challenging few years for all businesses which is why it is so important that we all make a concerted effort to visit towns like Midleton and to support the retailers and companies that are the lifeblood of our communities.”

Among the events is a Magic Show with Pirate Pete at the Midleton Park Hotel- all funds raised will go towards the Christmas lights. Tickets for this event are available from: www.ticketsource.eu/midleton-christmas-lights 

Parking in the county 

Local traffic diversions will be in place for a time during the day in the town.

Christmas preparations are also well underway in other parts of the county.

Cork County Council has announced that it is also providing for special car parking arrangements across its own operated car parks throughout the month of December.

Visitors are encouraged to check the offers in their local area.