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Native stars of screen and stage are expected to make an appearance at a new Council produced Arts Festival in Newry in October.
The festival will also celebrate the legacy of the current Sean Hollywood Arts Centre ahead of a multi-million pound re-development.
The images for the new state of the art building are due to be unveiled in the coming days.
Approval for the week long festival event was passed at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism committee on Monday night.
The present arts centre is named after the late local actor and director Sean Hollywood, who nurtured such young talent as John and Susan Lynch.
Many of the areas local talent, who have gone on to have successful careers in the arts are expected to make a homecoming appearance.
Newry city SDLP councillor Gary Stokes, speaking after the meeting, said that the festival would bring out the best of the city.
“This is great to see and very timely as we have just seen the blueprints for the new arts centre that the public should be able to see in the coming days,” said Cllr Stokes.
“To be moving on and recognising the achievements of the old Sean Hollywood arts centre to celebrating the what we shall soon have as a new arts centre, is something to truly celebrate.
“I would have perhaps liked to see an arts festival in May time, when the weather would be better, than later this year.
“However, it is to be greatly welcomed and I would be keen to see the council speaking with groups and individuals who have organised other festivals in Newry, so that they can bring about a fantastic event for all,” he added.
Cllr Stokes also suggested that the Newry 2020 Festival of Windows event that hosted art in shop windows along Hill Street a few years ago should be checked out.
Fellow city councillor, Sinn Fein’s Roisin Mulgrew supporting the proposal alluded to the many talented young people who had been guided under the wing of one of Newry’s most well-known thespians.
“This is fantastic news for the arts sector and to recognise Sean Hollywood’s role in that is very welcomed,” said Cllr Mulgrew.
“It is great to see this festival as we transition with the regeneration of the city centre.
“These are exciting times for Newry and I am delighted that the council will put forward a week of arts and reflection,” added the councillor.
