Aoife Fitzgerald of Carrigaline on a carousel on the opening of Glow. Picture: Clare Keogh

Glow Christmas festival kicks off in Cork

Thousands gathered, in the bitter cold and under the glittering lights of Christmas, to witness the opening of ‘Glow’ Cork’s Christmas Celebration.

Glow, which is held on Grand Parade and is sponsored by the Evening Echo along with C103 and 96fm, will run every weekend in the build-up to Christmas as well as Christmas week from December 20-22.

Inga Kas, owner of Canard Souvage Sweet Shop. Picture: Clare Keogh

Presented by Cork City Council, Glow sees Bishop Lucey Park magically transformed into a winter wonderland by Cork’s own Dowtcha Puppets.

Kaci O’Driscoll is about to enjoy her lollipop treat at Glow. Picture: Clare Keogh

The theme this year is Santa’s Cork Workshop, where Visitors will see the preparations underway for the big day - the elves are busy sorting, testing and wrapping the presents, the sleigh up on blocks getting ready for the big trip and the reindeer in the back field having some final training.

The sacks of presents are being lined up, children are posting their letters and you can catch a glimpse of Santa waving down from his balcony.

Lacey Daley with her cousin, Ashligh Stokes. Picture: Clare Keogh

This lit-up trail features ten superbly costumed performers, six elf puppets, two reindeer puppets and a giant Santa, all set to fantastic original Christmas themed traditional music commissioned by Edel O’Sullivan.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald said: “Cork is really a special place, and this Christmas we encourage everyone to come into the city to experience the wonder of GLOW, and to shop locally. With fantastic Christmas food markets, choral performances, a 30-meter Ferris Wheel and Santa’s Cork Workshop in Bishop Lucey Park, there is so much to see and do this year at GLOW, Cork’s Christmas Festival.”





Dylan Comer, Ryan Comer and Freya McKerring of Ballyvolane with elves at the opening of Glow last night. Picture: Clare Keogh

Bishop Lucey Park will be open on these days from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and the Christmas Food Markets on the Grand Parade will be open from 12pm to 8.30pm. The Ferris Wheel will be open each day from 12pm to 9pm. For more information log onto www.glowcork.ie