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Good Afternoon, Mayor John Feehan, Visiting Mayor’s, Distinguished guests, Ladies & Gentlemen it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you all here today at the Press Launch of: ‘Newry’s Party on Down’ Concert @ Pairc Esler Stadium Newry City Centre Management is delighted to be once again, playing a part in co-organising such a prestigious concert with lead partner’s Newry & Mourne District Council and Peace III Partnership. We also welcome the opportunity to work closely with Mr Kevin Bell, Chairman of Down GAA County Board and Mr Noel Haughey, Chairman of Newry Shamrocks GAC on this exciting venture and for the use of such a speculator venue.
“Newry’s Party on Down” Concert @ Pairc Esler has now become a high profile, prestigious event and we as an organisation are happy to continue in the role of raising the profile of Newry City and working in strong partnership to present a concert of such high standards that will embrace the people of the greater Newry area and experience a truly memorable day packed with a dazzling array of entertainment, music and dance to create a real family atmosphere and a true celebration of communities.
Newry as a City continues to lead the way in many fields and the secret to our success is without a doubt due to hard work, good organisation, promotion and above all the partnership ethos that works so well in Newry. The line-up planned for the event is evidence that Newry is now firmly on the map in terms of hosting major artists at the Pairc Esler Stadium which is a venue second to none.
Newry City Centre Management, believe that the inevitable success of the day will act as a precursor for attracting additional interest in the future, both from promoters and top musicians. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Michael Magill Entertainments for securing such a prestigious line up of celebrities. I would also like to record a sincere note of thanks to our main funding partner Peace III Partnership for the significant sponsorship. Without their contribution this event would not be a major success and set the standard at which it is today.
We hope that Newry as a City can continue to build on this achievement to develop a dynamic, exciting, inclusive and welcoming district for all visitors. Events such as this we can show that Newry & Mourne is both a warm and welcoming place where everyone is included. As you are aware there is a tremendous amount of work in preparing such an event and I would like to take this opportunity to record a note of thanks to the event organisers, namely Newry & Mourne District Council for their trojan efforts in putting together this comprehensive programme of events. I would personally acknowledge Mr Eddy Curtis, who has been instrumental in the overall organisation to ensure that the event will appeal to all age groups and ensure the event is a huge success. Also I would like to comment on the vibrant marketing material that is on display, you will agree it is an excellent array of colour and modern design and this is down to our dedicated Graphic Designer Mrs Anne Murphy, Purple Inc.
Finally I would urge everyone throughout the Council districts to turn out on the evening and avail of the extensive entertainment that is on offer and hope that everyone will have an enjoyable evening.
Speech by Councillor John Feehan, Mayor of Newry & Mourne District Council, at the Launch of the 'Party on Down' Concert, in Newry Arts Centre on Tuesday 7th July 2009.
Chairman, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. On behalf of Newry & Mourne District Council, I am delighted to welcome you to the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre for the Launch of our 'Party on Down' Concert. Newry & Mourne District Council have an excellent reputation for organising successful concerts as well as international festivals and I am pleased to announce its latest invention. The all-new 'Party on Down' Concert, which will take place on Sunday 30th August, will ensure Pairc Esler comes alive to the sounds of a wide variety of acts, from our very own local stars to those of international status.
I am delighted to announce such a fantastic line up of music for all tastes, including our very own Housemat8s, X Factors Eoghan Quigg, Brian Kennedy, The Saw Doctors and fresh from Simon Cowells' Britain’s Got Talent, Escala The organisers have planned a great action packed family fun evening with non-stop entertainment.... and I am told a few special surprises will also be in store.
Dance schools from the area will be performing on centre stage, showcasing the rich and varied wealth of talent from our area. I would like to show a sincere note of thanks to the main funding partner PEACE III Partnership and to the Special EU Programmes Body, the managing authority for the European Union’s Peace III Programme for the significant funding. Without their contribution this event would not be a major success and set the standard at which it is today. Peace III is a distinctive European Regional Development Fund aimed at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful society whilst promoting reconciliation. T
he theme for our Peace III Event is 'Newry & Mourne a place where everyone is welcome'. We want to encourage our communities to participate in a major event to celebrate peace together. Our district is developing at a very dramatic rate, the numbers of ethnic minority groups is increasing daily and we want to display our areas commitment to support cultural diversity, and what better way to do this than at a family event in the magnificent Pairc Esler Stadium. Integration is essential if our district is to prosper and we need to develop relationships based on respect, equality and interdependency. I would like to pay tribute to the Peace III Cluster and particularly our social partners for supporting this peace priority, without this support this event simply could not happen.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank The Lions for pledging their support and also to Michael at Magill Entertainments for continually attracting major artists to our area. As Mayor of the district I call upon the communities in Newry & Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Armagh, Louth, Monaghan and further afield to support this innovative event which is not only the events launch, but of our Peace III Programme. I look forward to seeing you on the day and lets hope the weather is kind to us.
