The festive season is officially underway in Enniskillen following the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday evening. Huge crowds joined the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie and Santa Claus for the countdown to the Christmas illumination which marked the conclusion of an afternoon of festive entertainment on The Diamond. The town centre was alive with music as choirs from St. Paul’s Primary School, Irvinestown and Bunscoil an Traonaigh, Lisnaskea sang carols along with performances from St. Mary’s and Ballyreagh Silver Bands, The Knights Band, Snow Sisters and Q Radio’s Ibe Sesay.

Monsignor Peter O’Reilly of Fermanagh Churches Forum provided the traditional Christmas Greetings and seasonal reflection.

There was also a varied programme of festive fun with the very popular Christmas Elf trail, as well as face painters and Christmas characters. The eagerly awaited arrival of Santa did not disappoint when the man himself arrived to The Diamond on the Winter Wonderland train.

The Council Chair, Councillor Siobhán Currie, took the opportunity to bring season’s greetings on behalf of the Council. In her address, she stressed the importance of shopping locally this Christmas, supporting the local economy and ensuring that it would benefit from what is traditionally a busy period.

Councillor Currie also thanked all those who provided entertainment on the day and congratulated the Events team and staff of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for organising such a hugely enjoyable event. She also expressed her gratitude to the thousands of people who turned out for the switch-on and who created such a wonderful festive atmosphere in the town centre.

The switch on of the Christmas illuminations is just the beginning of a series of events to celebrate the festive season in Enniskillen.

The annual Enniskillen Christmas Craft and Food Fair will once again take place in the Townhall / Diamond area on Saturday, November 30 from 10.30am to 5pm.

A range of food and craft delights will be available on the day along with festive family street entertainment and live music.

Enniskillen will also be filled with festive cheer on Saturday, December 14 from 12noon to 4pm with the Santa Dander taking place in the town centre.

Families will enjoy free street entertainment alongside the treasure hunt activity around Enniskillen. Participants will receive goodies for taking part and all returned activity sheets will be entered into a draw to win a special prize.

Santa Dander activity sheets will be distributed to schools in the local area before the event and will be available from The Diamond on the day.