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Newry's City of Merchants Festival takes place at the end of the month and one of the headline events will be “A Newry Merchants Journey” - with dinner party at Bagenal's Castle on Friday 29 September from 3pm - 9pm.
Join local historian Sean Patterson on a walking tour of Newry to explore its merchant past.
The tour will start at the first lock of Newry Canal and from there Sean will lead you into the heart of Newry, embracing the town's rich merchant history.
The tour will include stops at key locations such as Sand's Mill, Canal Court, finishing on the Albert Basin.
Tour will start at 3pm and you're urged to dress appropriate for the weather.
The afternoon will continue at Bagenal's Castle with a dinner party and entertainment.
The distinguished merchant Francis Carvill is holding a dinner party in honour of his beloved wife’s many charitable works in the area. Carvill has made sure no expense has been spared for tonight’s revelry, even bringing in a travelling actor to regale his crowd, with delights untold.
The evening will come alive with merriment, mischief, drama, stories and song, but little does Carvill know disaster may lurk around the corner of this charming soirée.
So come and revel, laugh and be amazed by stories of old, and a hint of drama that you and the Carvills are sure to remember.
It's a Ticket only event. Tickets cost £10.00. Call Newry Visitor Information Centre on 028 3031 3170 to book a place.
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All roads lead to Kilkeel Harbour tomorrow Saturday 16th September for the Kilkeel Seafood Festival Which runs from 12-5pm.
With Seafood Pavilion, Artisan Producers, 5 Top Local Chef's, Cookery Demos, Oyster Eating Contest, Prawn Tailing Competition, Live Music by Just Georgia, Nautical Themed Story-telling, Under The Sea Kids Fancy Dress Competition, Touch Tank, Arts & Crafts, Kilkeel RNLI Demonstration & 'Stormy Stan', Silvery Lights Sailing – ‘Soteria’, Newcastle Community Cinema – Special screening of ‘The Secret of Kells’, Children's Entertainment and so much more.....
Seascope NI Lobster Hatchery & Marine Research Centre
Visit Lucy the Lobster at Seascope for an interactive educational adventure, viewing tanks and seeing fascinating creatures from under the sea.
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Organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and designed to showcase Newry’s unique history and success, the inaugural City of Merchants festival event kicks off next Friday 29 September, promising three days filled with fireworks, events, family fun, arts, culture and the best food and drink.
The festival will wow audiences with a breath-taking firework spectacular set to music at Albert Basin on Saturday 30 September – guaranteed to set the wintry season off with a bang.
Woven through the stunning canals and waterways within a vibrant and confident city flanked by night-time projections at landmark sites, visitors can join Newry as it celebrates its proud history by taking part in a series of very special events or soaking up the festival atmosphere in its many restaurants, hotels, bars and cafés.
Launching Newry’s first City of Merchants festival, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said “We’re really excited to unveil a very special festival giant for Newry and for Northern Ireland that promises to complete a summer of fantastic fun and entertainment for hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far.
“Newry’s City of Merchants festival is a wonderful chance for everyone to celebrate this great city, its past, present and its confident future in ways that everyone can enjoy.”
With activities taking place from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October – including ‘Merchant Quest’, ‘Trade Secrets’, fun-filled creative workshops and a special exhibition event at the world famous Bagenal’s Castle, visitors have plenty to choose from.
On Saturday from 5pm until 9pm, Newry’s famous quays will be a destination not to miss, with the arrival of a Tall Ship, a funfair, kids’ activities, boating trips, a ceili tent and a special pontoon on which to view the dazzling pyrotechnics as they light up the city’s sky. A floating stage with live music will add to the festival city vibe.
City of Merchants is supported by Newry Business Improvement District (BID), which invests in and delivers projects to improve local trade and to raise the profile of the area.
Newry BID manager, Eamonn Connolly, said "The City of Merchants festival is a fitting way to celebrate the rich and vibrant history of Newry as a place of trade and commerce. Newry is a bustling city with a bright future and we look forward to being a part of these celebrations.”
City of Merchants is the final event in the highly successful Giant Adventures season programme, delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council which has drawn record crowds and included Footsteps in the Forest, Skiffie Festival, Festival of Flight and Wake the Giant.
Cllr Roisin Mulgrew added “The fifth outstanding Giant Adventures this year, this very special weekend looks both to the past and to the future, celebrating a special and unique history and heritage, a diverse culture and the legacy of Newry, its many waterways and its vibrancy as a place to live, to visit and to enjoy.”
For more details on City of Merchants, events and booking information, log on to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/CityofMerchants
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An Exhibition organised by Louann Blair-Turner - Based on recollections of her father, Sergeant Neville C. Henshaw, Royal Corps of Signals, on the D. Day Landings arives in Newry this week and you can check it out tomorrow Wednesday 27 September from 12 noon - 1pm or Thursday 28 September 1pm - 2.00 p.m at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
There will be an opportunity to chat or reminisce with Sergeant Henshaw at The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on Wednesday 27 September 12 noon - 1pm and Thursday 28 September 1pm - 2.00 p.m.
The Exhibition is on view until Thursday 28 September 9.30 to 5.00 p.m.
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Local charity ‘Run for Autism' is celebrating 10 years with its annual run taking place on Saturday 7th October 2017. Next Saturday 7 October sees local charity Run for Autism celebrate their tenth annual fundraising walk/ run between Newtownhamilton and Lissummon. You can walk or run the ten miles between Newtownhamilton Community Hall and Lissummon Community Hall or complete a half marathon on the day.
This year's event is set to host its biggest turnout since its inception back in 2007.
The event intends to raise awareness of autism and all proceeds will be to support ‘Run for Autism HAND' – a registered charity solely committed to helping those living with Autism, and their families in the Southern area across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down Districts.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. This is a condition that cannot be cured. You see, hear and feel the world differently to others around you. Autism is a spectrum condition and one individual's experience of it will be completely different from the next. Autistic people can have learning difficulties, disabilities, mental health issues meaning different levels of support are needed case by case, but with the right help and support, each person can be helped to live a more fulfilling life with those closest to them.
100s of professional and amateur runners, walkers and families of all ages and abilities are already registered and set to line out at the starting line in Newtownhamiliton and make the fun journey to Lissummon.
Getting set and ready to go for this year's big event, Chairman of the charity, Sean Quinn said “Around 300 children are newly diagnosed with Autism each year here and this number is increasing. Without the support from you, the public, we would be unable to provide funds to local groups, schools with special needs classes and charities which help individuals with autism and their families. We are proud to have supported dozens of projects over the last 10 years right across the Southern area which has benefited so many individuals and families, and we hope with the public's support behind this event, we will continue with this important work for years to come.
“All our members I am very proud to say are volunteers and I am truly grateful for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions which has helped this charity grow from strength to strength since 2007,” he said.
Sean added: “I am calling out to all runners and walkers to come along and join us and run or walk for autism, have a great time and most importantly help contribute to a very worthy cause. We have produced a very special medal for this year's 10th run and there will be goodie bags for all finishers.”
Participants can register for either the half marathon or 10 mile run or walk. You can pre- register for the event online at www.runforautismHAND.com or register on the day from 11-12.45pm. The events commences from Newtownhamilton Community Hall. 10m walk starts at 12 noon, half marathon at 1pm and 10 mile run 1.15pm. Shuttle buses will be available between each location before during and after the event. Refreshments and changing facilities will be available at Lissummon Community Hall when you cross the finishing line.
Check out their Facebook and Twitter for more details on the event.
An event not to be missed on your doorstep. Get outdoors, get some exercise and have fun!
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AMH New Horizons are hosting a Big Breakfast at the Canal Court Hotel next Thursday 12 October from 7-11am.
Everyone is invited to joint them to mark World Mental Health Day. AMH New Hotizons has been changing the lives of people in the Newry area for over 30 years.
Admission is £10 and to book or find out more contact Brian Hughes at bhughes@amh.org.uk
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This Halloween, Newry Mourne and Down District Council have a host of ghoulish activities planned for Newry and throughout the district, from fireworks displays to children’s events and a Halloween Twilight Market.
Following on from a very successful event last year, the Twilight Market at Newry Variety Market takes place on Friday 27 October from 5pm to 10pm. The historic marketplace will be abuzz with the sights and smells of autumn, featuring artisan food, award winning cider, craft beer, arts and crafts and live music.
Enjoy the free Children’s Ghost Walk departing outside Newry Market at 5.30pm. Space is limited and booking is essential so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment through Newry Visitor Information Centre, 028 3031 3170.
The evening will end in a festive firework display from the Albert Basin at 8pm.
On Halloween, Tuesday 31October, bring your little monsters down to Newry and Mourne Museum where the world famous Armagh Rhymers will entertain them with songs and stories aplenty. This is suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years old and costs £1.50 per child. Booking is essential by contacting the Museum on 028 3031 3178 or emailing declan.carroll@nmandd.org
Newry Mourne, Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “Halloween is an exciting time of the year with families wanting to get outside and enjoy the crisp autumn evenings.”
“The Council is delighted to organise these events again which provide entertainment for everyone, from great food and drink from our region, to live music, street theatre, children’s events and of course, spectacular fireworks displays. We hope to welcome lots of people to these events in Newry and Newcastle this Halloween.”
For more information visit visitmournemoutains.co.uk.
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It’s that time of the year again when thoughts turn to a big white tent that sells the best of German beer!
Luckily that big white tent has arrived in Newry and is being set up while we speak, all ready for the grand opening of Newry Octoberfest 2017, this Friday 20 October at 5pm.
This year the festival has moved to a new home at the Albert Basin (so please don’t start queuing at last years venue!) and this time there's double cause for celebration with the beer running freely over two weekends from 20-22 and 27-29 October.
Oktoberfest Newry the 'baby' of Graeme Finegan of Grounded and Finegan and Son fame, was started in 2012 as a way of giving a shot in the arm to the night time economy by “bringing a bit of life” to Newry.
250 attended the first year and with others on the wrong side of the gates, it snowballed with people talking about it for months. As Graeme says "People enjoyed themselves, were laid back and could let their hair down in a manner they couldn’t in Newry before that."
Every year from that, numbers have grown and grown. Oktoberfest took a break in 2016 and this year the festival plans to cater for around 6000 people over the two weekends.
On the stress that goes with it leading up to the event Graeme comments “I sleep like a log any other time but when it comes to Oktoberfest it does be 4 or 5 O’Clock in the morning
“This year we have to make it more feasible for ourselves. We’ve got it over two weekends, Friday Saturday, Sunday”
The now annual beer run takes place this opening Friday night at 7pm. As Graeme says “It’s a lap essentially around the town, you’ll be back in 30 minutes if you’re any way good .. or if you’re like me you’ll be back in an hour and a half!”
With the bar closing at 10.30pm and all out by 11pm each night the plan is that it will be a springboard to the local nighttime economy, the very reason the festival was started in the first place.
Speaking of the potential benefit to Newry city Graeme said “We hope that this transfers to an average spend of £30-£40 per head into the local economy because we close the event early, 10.30 the bar closes, 11 is out time, and we hope that those 6000 people over those six nights will be frequenting local nearby restaurants, takeaways, taxi firms and other bars"
Graeme concluded “This is what the festival was started for. It was for the nighttime economy and it’s still at the core of what we are doing with the festival, to promote nightlife in Newry, because at the minute it seems to be a bit stale or something, There are people trying different things and we hope this can be part of it.”
Dates and Entertainment
Friday 20 October 5pm - 11pm
Doghouse Belfast
“We’ve got a band from Belfast, a ten piece band, plenty of trumpets, plenty of trombones, Saxophone, singing, dancing. They love the music of Madness. I think they’re a perfect fit for Oktoberfest, they’re really going to get the crowd going and it’s going to be an immense night.”
Saturday 21 October 4pm - 11pm
Electric Circus
"A fairly new band on the scene with some of the previous band members in Hair O' the Dawg, regular visitors to Oktoberfest."
Sunday 22 October 4pm - 11pm
Cold Porter
Friday 27 October 5pm - 11pm
The Willing Fools
"Amazing band, crazy, absolutely bonkers and a perfect fit for Oktoberfest"
Saturday 28 October 4pm -11pm
Whole Lotta Voltage
“I’m really looking forward to it. we’ve got the best ACDC tribute band in Ireland. They’ve been endorsed by Angus himself
Sunday 29 October 4pm - 11pm
Abuse Your Illusion - Guns N Roses tribute band.
See their Facebook Page for up to date news at www.facebook.com/NewryOktoberfest
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Southern Area Hospice Services are getting ready for their Hospice Does Strictly next month and tickets are now on sale.
‘Hospice Does Strictly – Country Style’, will take place in Armagh City Hotel Saturday 11 November 2017. If you love country music and dancing, this is a night you don’t want to miss!
Eight couples take to the stage to showcase their dancing skills to the beat of Country music, in a bid to win the votes of the judging panel and the audience to ultimately be crowned the ‘2017 Hospice Does Strictly Champions’.
The Dancers
Couple 1: Cathal Livingstone (Glenanne) & Frances Boyce (Markethill);
Couple 2: Pete O’Neill (Coalisland) & Aimee White (Newry);
Couple 3: Christopher Fletcher (Caledon) & Kelly Grant (Rathfriland);
Couple 4: Martin Hanna (Derrylaughan) & Laura Millar (Portadown);
Couple 5: Aidan Morris (Galbally) & Claire McKeever (Brantry);
Couple 6: Plunkett Rafferty (Ballygawley) & Catherine Kennedy (Cookstown);
Couple 7: Gary Reid (Eglish) & Laura Cornett (Loughgall);
Couple 8: Raymond Moan (Rathfriland) & Pauline Mallon (Benburb).
The event will be compered by Malachi Cush and will follow a similar format to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with participating couples jiving, line-dancing and doing the hucklebuck with some impressive lifts added in for good measure in what is sure to be a very entertaining show.
After the dancers have performed, the judging panel and the audience will place their votes to determine who the winners will be. The show will be followed by a disco with the very entertaining, Mini Mac’s Disco Road Show (over 18’s only).
Anne Mac Oscar, Regional Marketing Officer in Armagh and Dungannon for Southern Area Hospice Services said, “We are really looking forward to a great night in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 11th November 2017. I would encourage as many people as possible to get their tickets and come along and support the dancers. They are working very hard in preparation for the show. All the money raised will help the Hospice to continue to provide care and support to people in the local area who are living with Cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, HIV and Aids. Every penny really does count as we work towards our 2017 fundraising target of £2.5 million. Previous years have been very successful for Southern Area Hospice and we really hope that 2017 will be even bigger and better.”
Tickets for the show (£15 each) are on sale now at www.armaghcityhotel.com at Armagh City Hotel reception, at Southern Area Hospice reception (Courtenay Hill, Newry), from the participating dancers or by contacting Anne in the Southern Area Hospice Services fundraising department on 028 30251333.
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