Mullingar aiming for Santa hat record

Visit the magical, music market town of Mullingar next Sunday and don't forget your Santa hat as the town attempts to break the Guinness World record for the most people wearing Santa hats in the one place, at the one time!On Sunday, December 6 from 12 noon, one of the largest events to take place in the Midlands will see the streets of Mullingar pedestrianised with food and craft stalls, along with music stages, while local retailers will open up with a selection of Christmas gifts that promises bank for your buck.The music will begin at midday and finish off with carol singing in the Market Square at 4.30pm.The MoJo Stage at Dominick Place will feature some of Ireland's music legends, with special guest appearances by Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg, Ben Dolan and a host of others.The line-up also includes top acts from "The Gar" and further afar, including The Egg and Spoons, Marty Mulligan and The Men who will perform their show-stopping Electric Picnic set, while top Dublin rock band Sixteen Layers will bring a little bit of urban to this rural setting.The Market Square will host various choirs, a classical concert by The Midlands Youth Orchestra and beautiful carol singing from The Mullingar Choral Society.The New Bands Stage in Pearse Street will showcase some of Mullingar's up and coming top pop and rock acts, so you can expect blistering performances from acts such as Crimson, Arrow in the Sky, Not Men But Giants and Oxegen favourites Seven Days.Mount Street will play host to a variety of music, song, drama and dance shows with performances by The Mullingar Panto Group bringing Jack and the Beanstalk live to the street, while Dance Factory will perform their stunning routines and The Whiskey River Band, plus other top country and traditional acts will take to the stage during the day.Throughout the town there will be DJ's, buskers, street performers, and a captivating performance by the Irish Army Pipe and Drum Band, while Ruth Illingworth will be providing a historical tour of the town at 11am which will be dedicated to the memory of the great Joe Dolan.Beginning in the Market Square, Ruth will explore "Joe's Mullingar", visiting the place where he grew up, worked and visit the Dolan's public house.So why not come along and join in the fun, and don't forget your Santa hat!