Dublin in party mood ahead of Christmas lights ceremony

A fusion of colour will light up Dublin city centre today when the lights on the capital's biggest Christmas tree are turned on.

Stiltwalkers, Samba rhythms, Latvian dancers and the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band will also warm things up for spectators at the Festival of Light parade which will leave Wolfe Tone Park at 4.30pm.

It will pass down Henry Street and arrive at O'Connell Street at 6pm, where the tree will be lit.

Children from the Rose Project, an Aids awareness charity, will also tie 20 red ribbons to the tree to highlight Aids Awareness Day on December 1.

"The occasion of turning on the Christmas lights is a traditional part of Dublin's Christmas going back many decades," said Dublin Lord Mayor Paddy Bourke, who will turn on the lights.

"This year, the city is beautifully decked out with new Christmas lights, creating a warm glow across the city centre.

"I'm encouraging Dubliners and visitors alike to come and soak up the magic of a Dublin Christmas and let your capital city help you capture the warmth of this festive season."