Christmas cheer in Omagh despite Covid

CHRISTMAS will look a bit different this year but Omagh will still be full of festive cheer with a brand new ‘winter lights festival.’

Due to the Covid19 restrictions, it looks unlikely that it will be possible to gather in large crowds for the annual Christmas lights switch on, or host the traditional festive events.

However, the Council fully intends on lighting up the district and plan to put on a new unique ‘Winter Lights Festival’ in Omagh town centre and a number of rural towns over the festive period.

The new event will include transforming the front of buildings in Omagh into festive scenes using 3D effects and lighting displays, while plans are also in place to install Static light projections in a number of the district’s rural towns.

The festive activities will be carried out in line with public health advice and guidelines, but it is hoped that the Christmas decorations will spread some festive cheer to local residents, while also encouraging them to shop locally and safely.

A spokesman for Fermanagh and Omagh District council explained, “The Council has remodelled the Christmas switch-on events to take account of the requirements of the Coronavirus Regulations and Public Health Advice.

“We intend to deliver a unique ‘Winter Lights Festival’ in Enniskillen and Omagh town centres and a number of rural towns over the festive period.

“This will include the transformation of the facades of a number of buildings in Enniskillen and Omagh using custom 3D mapping and light projection displays.

“Static light projections will also be delivered in a number of the district’s rural towns, to better connect them with the district’s main urban centres.

“The Winter Lights Festival aims to encourage shoppers to stay local and to deliver a positive Christmas experience for the residents of the district.”