The Athlone Christmas Market Committee which is a voluntary group, would like to express a sincere thank you to the thousands of people who visited the market over the four days last week. The place was buzzing with a wide variety of excellent gifts and bargains on display in all stalls. It was just fantastic to see such high spec products being made available by the traders who really enhanced their cabins and stalls to embrace the Christmas festive atmosphere, stated Lorna Stuart Trainor from Room in Bloom who is one of the Market organisers.
Due to the popularity of this market we have noticed a big increase in demand from traders wanting to participate. This year we had full capacity and thus had to turn away some traders. It is planned to carry out an total review early in the New Year part of which will see how we can cater for more traders. In reality this is a good complaint but if we want the market to expand, we need to come up with a solution, said Cllr. Keena who is also an organizer.
Apart from the top class stalls the committee organised some beautiful music and singing under the canopy. For instance, Clonbonny NS, Tubberclaire NS and Scoil na gCeithre Maistri brought along their talented students to enthrall the public with excellent singing and music. There were also so many other brilliant artists performing, we are so fortunate in Athlone to have such a wealth of talent in the town. Also two young 1st Year students named Harry & Sachin from Athlone Community College did some busking under the canopy and they went down a treat to everyone.
Cllr. Keena thanked Athlone Town Centre Shopping Centre for their support in making sure the market ran smoothly and he also gave special thanks to Westmeath County Council for its financial contribution which helped in some way cover the cost of running this successful market.
The Athlone Christmas Market Committee would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and every good wish in 2024.
