Council seeks sponsorship for return of Christmas switch-on

WITH Omagh’s Christmas lights switch-on returning this year, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) is inviting local businesses and organisations to become sponsors or media partners.

Last year, Omagh’s traditional Christmas switch-on was controversially cancelled as part of a money-saving strategy adopted by FODC amid the cost of living crisis.

Despite having been presented as a means of saving money during a time of widespread economic disaster, the decision drew the ire of many local families, and proved a public relations disaster for FODC.

However, the decades-long tradition will resume this month, with one local councillor jesting, “Maybe we’ll not be called Scrooges this year.”

FODC’s total budget for urban and rural festive lighting for Christmas is £114,000.

As part of a pilot sponsorship programme, FODC are appealing for local businesses to financially support the event.

This, they say, is part of an ongoing plan to create potential sponsorship opportunities for future corporate events and activities.

In addition to the Christmas lights switch-on, FODC is also offering exclusive advertising opportunities on its arts venue websites and in seasonal programmes for the Christmas period.

To apply to be a sponsor you will have to complete a short online application available at www.fermanaghomagh.com, Just search ‘Become a Sponsor’.

The closing date for applications for the Christmas lights switch-on is this Monday, November 6.

For more information, contact FODC’s events team by email at sponsorship@fermanaghomagh.com or by telephone at 0300 303 1777.