Festival of Light - Timetable of events

Welcome to the 'Festival of Light details:

Thank you for showing an interest in the activities taking place on Saturday, December 1.

Please click on the link below the upload the most up-to-date timetable.

A quick reminder:

The Bandon country market starts @10am and the main activities start @2 pm. The lights will be turned on at 5pm sharp. (Not West Cork local time of 5'ish but at 5pm sharp!)

Times and locations of performances are subject to change so you may wish to keep an eye on the window of the festival office at 88 South Main Street. (Near the pedestrian crossing)

The weather is supposed to be windy with a few showers so make sure you're warm and dry! We may have to chage location for some actuvites and if the weather is very poor, we may not be able to bring Mr & Mrs Claus by helicopter to the GAA club.... so please be aware of this when planning your day.

We hope you enjoy the day as much as we're going to.

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P.S.
Hope you like the Polar bears!

Bandon Christmas Lights - Updates as of Wed. Nov 28th.

The countdown has begun,

Anyone travelling throughout the town can now see what we boasted about a while ago ... We can now see a little excitement throughout the town and both young and old alike are looking forward to the lights being turned on.

Don't forget that there is much more than lights coming on .... even already, the sense of pride in the community and a willingness to participate is again coming to the fore ... long may it continue.

The financial support by both public and retailers has been great but every little bit more helps.

We have a range of activities taking place for the day. These include:

Relocating the farmers market to South Main St from 10am to 5pm.

Bandon Library having a special extended story time from 11.30am to 12.20pm plus the usual reading support session from 3 to 4pm

Having a stage with music, DJ and activities at Ballymodan / Western end of South Main St starting at c. 2pm.

Mr & Mrs Claus arriving at c.2.30 pm and distributing goodie bags from c.3pm

Local talent performing their various skills and talents at various locations throughout the town. (Please note that these events are weather permitting and while the times and locations will be posted once ready, they are all subject to change ..... sorry about the inability to be definite at this stage but there are so many things changing that we must leave things 'til the last minute to be fairly sure.)

Official ceremony starting at c.4.30pm with the lights coming on at 5pm.

With events similar to this, we become familiar with hearing the words 'We'd like to thank' .... At this stage people usually 'switch off'. Those who have contributed to making this event a success deserve much more than just a few words.

A wise man once said ... 'You live in a community, you gain by being part of a community and it is right that you give something back to the community'.

To the many groups have have already helped and are about to do so, it is a credit to you and your colleagues / family / mentors that you have helped to make a difference and improve the quality of life for others. (For some reason people like to talk about the negatives and not give credit when it is due)

We know what these community orientated people are doing ................doing a top-class professional job!

Thank you in advance to the groups helping out ... these include: The Scouts, Guides, FCA, Red Cross, Foroige, Gardai and many others who I'm forgetting already.... apologies but I promise I'll get them all!!!

Well done to the firms who are taking part in different ways on the day.

Here's to a great and memorable day ..... let's just hope that the weather forecasters have managed to call this one incorrectly and that we'll have good weather as opposed to the expected gales and showers.

See you on Saturday,

TC

Bandon Christmas Lights Draw

Just a few notes to inform you about the draw.


In a time where we regularly hear about the 'Scrooge' effect , the people and businesses of Bandon have shown true pride and spirit to support the Bandon Christmas Lights project in a very generous way.


They have given a voucher to the value of €10,000 as the prize for a special draw in aid of the Christmas Lights project.


Tickets are available from all retailers within the town and cost €5.


This is a win-win situation for the purchaser .... you are in a draw with the possibility to win the car voucher plus you are also supporting this novel project.


Having seen a preview of what is going to be on show, I can guarantee that it is a most worthy cause for support.


If you are looking for more tickets or wish to return the miooney and stubs of tickets sold ... please return them to Hilary O'Farrell at O'Farrells newsagents on the Main St or Colm Donnellan in the Spar at Bandon Shopping Centre.



The draw for the €10,000 prize will take place on December 22.

Thanking you in advance of your support,
TC

Bandon Christmas Lights - December 1

Keep December 1 free in your diary!

Plans are being made to celebrate the official turning on of the special Christmas lights in Bandon. The event, aptly name 'Festival of Light' will be taking place on Saturday, December 1.

A great community effort is being undertaken to make the day a special one. Entertainment will be provided by the many skilled young people of the area. More details on this to follow soon.

It is a whole day event beginning with the Bandon Market relocating for the day on South Main St. Bandon retailers are also invited to get involved with the outdoor market. This market will commence @10am and should be open until c.5pm.

The official festivites will centre around the main stage that will be located at the western end of South Main St. (Ballymodan).
Music will start at 2pm,
There will be a very special arrival of Mr & Mrs Claus at c.3.30pm and they will be distributing goodie bags from the main stage thereafter.
We will also have a courtesy visit by the 96&103 FM cruisers and crew.
4.30pm sees the start of the official ceremonies which should include a few 'Thank you's' and plans are being made to have an ecumenical prayer said by members of the various faiths.

The lights will be turned on at 5pm.

So there you have it ... everyone is welcome, come along and join the party.

Looking forward to seeing you there!
TC