Lights in the darkness
The countdown is on for the switch on to Virginia’s annual Avenue of Light display, which illuminates the town during the dark Christmas evenings.
The display promises to be bigger and better this year with 80 Christmas trees leading up and around the Church of Ireland in the town.
Businesses, organisations, clubs and more are invited to sponsor a tree, which will include the price of the tree itself as well as the lights on it. Each tree will also have a plaque advertising the sponsor’s name. The lights will then be turned on during the Virginia Town Christmas light ceremony.
The idea was created by Reverend Craig McCauley back in 2020, keen to brighten up the days of Lockdown during the winter months.
“This is the third year that we’ve done this. Not that we want to go back but if we go back to Christmas 2020, things were pretty locked down obviously, and I had been thinking of doing a Christmas tree festival for a few years and my daughter Laura said to me ‘Dad, this is the year to try something’.”
Taking his daughter’s advice, Reverend Craig began contacting businesses in the locality to see if they were interested in taking part.
“Literally at the end of November, I rang a few people in the town and said what would you think if I put a few Christmas trees in the grounds and we’ll get businesses and organisations to celebrate them.
“Within 10 days we had 50 Christmas trees in, all lit up, decorated, sponsored by clubs, organisations, schools, churches, businesses and there were little plaques on them advertising the businesses as well.”
The kind-hearted man believed this was the perfect way for the community to celebrate the festive season together in a safe and controlled way.
“It was great because it was in an outdoor space, people were safe to come and even if people didn’t want to get out they could drive into the church grounds, around the church and back out again, so it was grand."
The display also remembered those who unfortunately could not be in Virginia who sadly passed away or were restricted due to Covid.
“There were two Christmas trees, there was no home for a Christmas tree - so you can imagine if anyone couldn’t travel beyond their localities to go see parents or whatever. We had little wooden disks there and it was filled with names of people that couldn’t get home from Australia, New Zealand, UAE, America, all over. Then we had a tree of remembrance for people who had died. It was lovely.”
Due to its success in the first year, Reverend Craig decided to keep the tradition going, increasing the number of trees every year.
The money raised each year is split among the Church and local charities.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a tree is advised to contact the Church of Ireland by calling 049-8548465.