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A host of magical characters have taken over the Narnia Trail in Kilbroney Park in time for Halloween.
On Saturday 30 and Sunday October 31 bring the little ones to the ‘Wacky Wardrobe of Wonder’ into the magical land of Narnia at Kilbroney Park where all the family, along with a host of superheroes, will be called on to help save Edward from the wrath of the White Witch.
The stories of local writer, performer and Newry native Rozlyn Sheridan are also set to come to life at Kilbroney Park this Halloween.
The Walled Garden in Delamont Country Park is also holding events on both days.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, said, “Both parks are set to host a magical weekend of storytelling, arts and culture for all of the family to enjoy this Halloween. I look forward to the wonderful experience that these events have to offer which celebrate and showcase the beauty and creativity of our people and place.’’
Tickets for the event are free but must be prebooked online. Tours start at 11am each day and will last approximately 30 minutes. The last tour on each day will set off at 3.45pm. Visitors are asked to observe the current COVID-19 guidelines. For further information see: WWW.VISITMOURNEMOUNTAINS.CO.UK
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Newry Town Hall will come to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December with music, film and special guest appearances for The Snowman Christmas Special concert, curated by renowned violinist, Joanne Quigley McParland.
Audiences will be taken on a magical journey, as they are treated to a special screening of Howard Blake’s timeless classic ‘The Snowman’, which will be accompanied by a live professional orchestra providing the soundtrack and narrated by Northern Irish actress and singer Sara Dylan - known for her appearances onscreen in The Fall, Line of Duty and Game of Thrones®.
The magical tale, which recounts the story of a little boy’s midnight adventures, will not be the only Christmas performance to delight audiences on the evening. The wonderful festive concert will also feature many more Christmas favourites, which all the family will enjoy. Speaking about the concert, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “This will be a very special Christmas performance and I am delighted that it will be hosted in one of the most iconic venues in our district. The combined medium of film and live music will create a magical experience for everyone in the audience, making special memories for young and old.”
Cllr Mason continued, “I would like to reassure everyone that this event has been planned to adhere to all current COVID-19 guidelines, so that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere in a safe environment.”
Guest appearances will include the children of Flynn Performing Arts, who will stage the beautiful theme, ‘Somewhere in my Memory’, from the classic Christmas movie, ‘Home Alone’. Matthew Benson will perform his new Christmas song, ‘Nancy and the Soldier’, which he penned and performed especially for the 2020 Light and Hope Christmas concert, premiered online last year by Visit Mourne.
Timeless festive classics such as Leroy Anderson’s, ‘Sleigh Ride’, Mel Tormé’s, ‘The Christmas Song’ and a special reading with orchestral accompaniment of, ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement C. Moore, completes the programme. Do listen carefully though as you might just hear some footsteps on the roof of the Town Hall, we are expecting a very special visitor to arrive, one who is very busy this time of year!
Tickets are available from WWW.VISITMOURNEMOUNTAINS.CO.UK and are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for concessions (concessionary tickets apply to children under 16, full-time students, people over 60 and those registered disabled). There will be two performances each day at 2pm and at 5.30pm on both Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is committed to providing a safe and secure environment at its events. Governmental regulations are changing for venues, to comply, COVID-19 Status Check will be implemented for anyone aged 18 and over. Please visit the concert link on the Visit Mourne website for details.
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This year St Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde) 1 February, will be marked with a programme of over 75 online and in person events around the globe and across Ireland celebrating leadership, creativity, and the talent of women as part of the 'To Be Irish' festival.
From next year 2023 St Brigid's Day will be a public holiday in the Republic.
Discover talks, performances, exhibitions, music, and more; plus, explore extraordinary stories from the global Irish family, including amazing achievements, lasting legacies and magical memories from women connected to Ireland. Submissions are open to women around the world with a connection to Ireland to share their story or join the conversation using the hashtag #ToBeIrish
To Be Irish working alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs will bring Embassies and Consulates, international Irish community organisations , Local Authorities, venues and organisations in Ireland and around the world to join forces with our 70 million-strong diaspora to mark St Brigid’s Day and an impressive platform for a battalion inspired by Brigid.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D., said “I am delighted to launch the ‘To Be Irish on St Brigid’s Day’ initiative. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been organising a special St Brigid’s Day programme since 2018 - honouring the contributions of trail-blazing women to our diaspora, to Ireland and to the world. This is the first year that we are taking this programme online - to share the amazing performances, seminars and other discussions which take place at Irish Embassies and Consulates at this time of year and to connect these with inspiring Brigid’s Day events taking place here in Ireland.”
Anne Anderson, the former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States and to the EU, noted that ’This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women’s vibrant voices, and their extraordinary, transformative power. I look forward to participating in our St. Brigid’s Day event in Brussels. It marks 50 years of Ireland's EU membership and celebrates Irish women who have helped to shape the EU during that time.”
Some highlights from the global programme of events across 20+ countries:
Ireland and Europe
United Kingdom
Africa
Australia & Asia
North & South America
Over 75 events are already planned globally – To see the full list and check out the events go to TOBEIRISH.IE
Many more events marking St Brigid’s Day around the world will be announced. To register your event for inclusion on the To Be Irish platform, visit TOBEIRISH.IE/GET-INVOLVED.
To Be Irish on St Brigid’s Day is brought to you by the Department of Foreign Affairs with support from Local Authorities, cultural institutions, broadcasters and organisations across Ireland.
Follow the conversation on social media;Twitter @ToBeIrish | Instagram Facebook TikTok @ToBeIrish.ie | YouTube
#ToBeIrish #StBrigidsDay #Éireannach #LáFhéileBríde
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Newry and Mourne Museum is currently hosting an exhibition that will give locals and visitors alike a real insight into a defining period in local history.
The Legacy: Newry 1920 - 1930 takes a fascinating look at everything from the politics of the day, to partition, dividing up the land, the War of Independence, the Civil War, setting up of the border, Customs checks, and the different attitudes among local business people at the time.
It wasn't all politics though. As always life goes on as normal in many facets. Whist Drives continued in the Minor Town Hall, St Patrick's Choral and Operatic Society presented 'The Yeomen of the Guard in the Town Hall and like the border, Newry Musical Feis is still going strong almost 100 years after being set up in 1928!
The Exhibition which opened in October 2021 contains many artefects from the museum's own collection as well as some on loan.
One of the most prominent is the 'Not an Inch' Cup which in today's lingo would be "it does exactly what it says on the tin!" The Cup on loan from National Museums NI was presented to Sir James Craig, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland by the Unionists of Newry and the Orangemen of Newry No.9 District in 1926 ‘as a token of their appreciation of his unswerving stand on the boundary’
Explaining the background of the exhibition Declan Carroll, Newry and Mourne Museum said " It's looking at that period of 1920 to 30. Obviously from 1920 to 21 you have the onset of the establishment of Northern Ireland so you had the the treaty talks in the south with the powers that be basically dividing up how the country is going to be governed, with the establishment of the Irish Free State, and the establishment of Northern Ireland. And then where did that leave Newry in that situation. The Exhibition tells a story of how we were affected by that decision, there's arguments for and against partition from businessmen in the area like McCann's, how the council reacted to being on the north side of the border and how that all took shape."
Carroll adds "We're living with the after effects of what happened 100 years ago. We have more evidence of what was happening, people's attitudes and what was going on during the period. People can see what was going on, why people made certain decisions and why we live in the current situation that we do live in."
A football jersey and cap donated by Peter McAvoy features prominently. Worn by Frank McEvoy from Chapel St in Newry who played for the Irish Football Association in a Irish Junior International game against Scotland in 1923. Football clubs in the south of Ireland split from the IFA in 1921 to form the FAI. McEvoy also played for Newry Town, Dundalk and Glentoran.
A War of Independence Medal sits alongside a Crumlin Road Gaol door card donated by Tom Kelly. Both owned by Volunteer Thomas Kelly who was imprisoned in 1921 for the possession of fire arms. Photographs and maps also tell the story of the personalities of the day and the boundaries they were fixing.
A top quality book accompanies the exhibition with further insight on the period. The book can be picked up for free at the museum or you can contact them for a digital version.
The Legacy: Newry 1920 - 1930 is open until October 2022.
At present Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm.
You can call 0330 137 4422 or email MUSEUM@NMANDD.ORG for further information.
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To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason is hosting an afternoon event in the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle at 12 noon on Friday 4 March.
International Women’s Day is a global event celebrated annually to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias – creating a world free from stereotype and discrimination, one which promotes diversity and inclusivity, celebrating difference.
Guests will enjoy great food from some of our wonderful local providers as well as hearing from a truly inspirational panel of guest speakers who will share their journey and experiences, giving insights into how they have been able to #BreakTheBias. Panel speakers include Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph; Karen Sethuraman, First Female Baptist Minister in Ireland, Aimee Mackin, Armagh Ladies Senior All Star Player and Coumilah Manjoo, Anti Racist Activist. BBC Radio Ulster Lynette Faye will compère the afternoon event and guests will be entertained throughout lunch by motivational speaker Breda McCague and comedian Shane Todd.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “I am delighted to host this event to celebrate International Women’s Day. The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have meant that most of the planned events over the last 18 months have occurred virtually, so I am especially delighted to be able to host this in-person event. The afternoon will offer ‘time out’ from busy homes and offices, to celebrate women’s achievements across our district and encourage the role of women in public and community life. It will provide a great opportunity for guests to take a moment away from their demanding lives to catch-up with friends and fellow colleagues while connecting with new faces – something we have all missed over the past couple of years.”
Cllr Mason continued, “I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors Re-Gen Waste limited for their invaluable contribution to our International Women’s Day Event. I am confident that many organisations will want to purchase a table to celebrate International Woman’s Day and help #BreakTheBias.”
Tickets for the event, are priced at £36 per person and can booked through our Democratic Services team by emailing democratic.services@nmandd.org or telephoning 0330 137 4860.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week 2022) virtually this year through a specially commissioned programme of online content and events from 1 March through to St Patrick’s Day, 17 March. The festival is the largest celebration of Irish Language and Culture that takes place in Ireland and many other countries every year.
The online programme of events will provide the opportunity for everyone to engage with and enjoy the Irish Language through music, literature and fun online sessions. Whether you are new to the language or a lifelong learner, all participants will be made very welcome. Song and storytelling are two of the best ways to learn, develop and connect in a positive way with the language, and the online events will allow everyone to enjoy the mix of music and literature.
This year’s Irish Language Week will feature the vocal talents of local artists to include; Miadhachlughain O'Donnell from the Castlewellan area, Bláithín Mhic Cana and Piaras Ó Lorcáin from South Armagh.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “I am always delighted to see the local Irish language community coming together again to celebrate the language throughout our district during Irish Language Week. The Council has developed special projects and excellent events again this year, and I very much look forward to seeing new Irish language content on our social media channels.”
Key events for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022 will include:
Virtual Concert
A special musical event will be central to our celebration of Irish Language Week 2022, a concert will be broadcast on Council’s YouTube channel and will be shared through its social media channels. Shareable bitesize videos from the concert will showcase the wonderful musicians in our district including Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin agus Miadhachlughain O'Donnell. We will also hear the beautiful voice of Bernadette Morris as she joins the excellent line-up.
Online Tutoring Project
This online tutoring project is a joint venture between Conradh na Gaeilge Bhoirche Íochtar and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Funded by the Council and implemented by CnaG Bhoirche Íochtar, this project offers more than 50 people in the district an opportunity to avail of one-to-one online session to learn Irish or to brush up on the Irish they already have.
Fun Online Sessions for Teenagers
This project is a joint venture between the Council, Cumann na bhFiann and secondary schools in the area in which Irish is taught. Through online interactive events, teenagers at a variety of learning levels of the language, will get to know each other, have some fun through Irish and improve their language skills at the same time. All these events will be free of charge to the young people and there will be prizes available.
Music and Story through Video
This event will consist of a series of ten short videos which will be hosted on the Council’s YouTube channel and will be shared across its social media channels. The videos, will showcase some of the talented musicians and storytellers in the district, including Gráinne Holland, Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Niall Comer. English translations will be provided in transcript form through our YouTube channel, allowing everyone to sing along or even learn the words and find their own new performance piece.
Accelerated Reading Project with Irish Medium Primary Schools
This is a joint initiative between the Council and the Irish Medium Primary Schools in the area. Each school will be provided with a pack comprised of a selection of Irish language books and fun exercises. The pupils will be invited to read all ten books and complete the interactive exercises to demonstrate that they have read the books, with prizes available for the young readers. The pilot scheme of this programme was very successful last year, and Council is delighted to build on the project this year, involving other age groups and a wider range of Irish language book titles.
Local Groups and Online Resources
Irish Language groups and individuals the world over are organising their own events, many of which will be accessible online. Local Irish language community forum, Fóram an Dúin & Oirialla, through facebook.com/Fóram-an-Dúin-Oirialla can keep you up-to-date regarding online events and resources during Seachtain na Gaeilge and throughout the year. There are lots of other local Irish Language groups who work very hard behind the scenes to enable everyone to celebrate the language. Below is a list of Irish Language based groups on Facebook to help you find out more and become involved:
facebook.com/boirche.iochtar
facebook.com/CrotlieveIrishSociety
facebook.com/cumanngaelach.leathchathail
facebook.com/cumannGaelachNaomhMochai
facebook.com/Gaeláras-Mhic-Ardghail
facebook.com/gaelphobalardmhachatheas
facebook.com/glor.uachtartire
facebook.com/milefailte15
In addition, below are some other great online resources to help you find out what Irish Language events are going on near you or even on the other side of the world!
facebook.com/SeachtainnaGaeilge
instagram.com/snagaeilge
twitter.com/SnaGaeilge
For further information on Seachtain na Gaeilge or the events mentioned above please email gaeilge@nmandd.org or visit SEACHTAIN-NA-GAEILGE
Ag ceiliúradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022 le Ceol, Scéalaíocht, Litríocht agus Seisiúin Spraíúla
Beidh Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin ag ceiliúradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022 i mbliana trí chlár speisialta ábhar agus imeachtaí ó 1 Márta go Lá Fhéile Pádraig, 17 Márta. Is í an fhéile is mó ar domhan a dhéanann ceiliúradh ar theanga dhúchais agus chúltúr na hÉirinn, le himeachtaí iontacha ag tarlú i dtíortha éagsúla go bliantúil.
Tabharfaidh an clár imeachtaí ar líne deis do dhaoine sult agus taitneamh a bhaint as an Ghaeilge trí cheol, litríocht agus seisiúin spraíúla. Más glanfhoghlaimeoir thú nó má tá Gaeilge líofa agat, cuirfear fáilte mhór romhat. Is féidir le ceol agus scéalaíocht muid a spreagadh chun a bheith ag foghlaim, ag fás agus a bheith spreagtha i dtreo na teanga, agus tugann na himeachtaí ar líne deis do dhaoine sult a bhaint as an mheascán ceoil agus litríochta.
I mbliana cluinfimid Miadhachlughain O'Donnell as Caisleán Uidhilín, Bláithín Mhic Cana agus Piaras Ó Lorcáin as Ard Mhacha Theas.
Dúirt Cathaoirleach Chomhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin, An Comhairleoir Cathy Mhásún, “Tá lúchair orm go bhfuil pobal áitiúil na Gaeilge in ann teacht le chéile arís leis an teanga a cheiliúradh sa cheantar seo le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Tá tograí speisialta agus imeachtaí iontacha curtha in áirithe ag an Chomhairle arís i mbliana, agus tá mé ag tnúth go mór le hábhar Gaeilge úrnua a fheiceáil.”
Príomhimeachtaí Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022:
Ceolchoirm Fhíorúil
Beidh imeacht speisialta ceolmhar mar chroílár Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022, ceolchoirm a bheas craolta Dé Luain 14 Márta ar chainéal YouTube na Comhairle agus a bheas roinnte trí chainéil na meán sóisialta. Déanfar gearrfhíseáin den cheolchoirm a dhéanfaidh ardán do cheoltóirí iontacha sa cheantar, Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin agus Miadhachlughain O'Donnell ina measc. Cluinfimid fosta an glór álainn atá ag Bernadette Morris agus í ag canadh ‘s ag ceol.
Togra Teagaisc ar Líne
Is comhfhiontar é an Togra Teagaisc ar Líne le Conradh na Gaeilge Bhoirche Íochtar agus Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin. Maoinithe ag an Chomhairle agus curtha i gcrích ag CnaG Bhoirche Íochtar, tugann an togra seo deis do níos mó ná 50 daoine i gceantar na Comhairle seisiúin aonaracha a bheith acu chun an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim ar líne agus nó snas a chur ar an Ghaeilge atá acu cheana féin.
Seisiúin Spraíúla do Dhéagóirí
Is comhfhiontar é an tionscnamh seo idir Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin, Cumann na bhFiann, agus meánscoileanna sa cheantar a bhfuil an Ghaeilge á teagasc iontu. Trí imeachtaí idirghníomhacha ar líne gheobhaidh déagóirí ag léibhéil éagsúla deis aithne a chur ar a chéile, spraoi a bheith acu tríd an teanga agus snas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge. Beidh na himeachtaí ar fad saor in aisce do na daoine óga agus duaiseanna ar fáil dóibh fosta.
Ceardlann Cheoil do Pháistí Óga
Beidh seisiún ar siúl ar líne le scéalaí agus ceoltóir den scoth ó phobal na Gaeilge. Déanfaidh Seán Ó Muireagáin agus Edel Ní Churraoin ceardlann cheoil agus scéalaíochta do pháistí óga agus le seó puipéid mar chuid dó.
Togra Luas-Léitheoireachta le Bunscoileanna an Cheantair
Is comh-fhiontar é seo idir an Chomhairle agus na Bunscoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge sa cheantar. Seolfar pacáiste chuig na scoileanna uilig a mbeidh leabhair Ghaeilge agus ceachtanna sultmhara ann. Tabharfar deis do na daltaí scoile suas le deich leabhar a léamh agus ceachtanna idirgníomhacha a dhéanamh chun léiriú go bhfuil na leabhair léite acu. Beidh duaiseanna ar fáil do na léitheoirí óga. D’éirigh go geal leis an scéim phíolóta den togra seo anuraidh agus tá Chomhairle sásta cur leis an togra i mbliana, le haoisghrúpaí eile agus le réimse leabhar níos leithne.
Grúpaí Áitiúla agus Acmhainní Ar Líne
Tá grúpaí Gaeilge agus daoine aonaracha fud fad an domhain ag eagrú a gcuid imeachtaí féin, cuid mhaith acu a bheas ar fáil ar líne. Is féidir le Fóram an Dúin & Oirialla tú a choinneáil ar an eolas trí facebook.com/Fóram-an-Dúin-Oirialla maidir le himeachtaí ar líne agus acmhainní eile le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge agus ar feadh na bliana.
Tá go leor grúpaí Gaeilge eile ag obair go dian sa chúlra chun tacú le daoine an teanga a cheiliúradh. Thíos faoi tá liosta de ghrúpaí Gaeilge agus leathanaigh Facebook s’acu chun cuidiú leat níos mo a fhiosrú agus páirt a ghlacadh.
facebook.com/boirche.iochtar
facebook.com/CrotlieveIrishSociety
facebook.com/cumanngaelach.leathchathail
facebook.com/cumannGaelachNaomhMochai
facebook.com/Gaeláras-Mhic-Ardghail
facebook.com/gaelphobalardmhachatheas
facebook.com/glor.uachtartire
facebook.com/milefailte15
Chomh maith leis sin, thíos faoi seo tá acmhainní iontacha eile chun cuidiú leat fáil amach faoi imeachtaí Gaeilge atá ar siúl cóngarach duit nó ar an taobh eile den domhan!
facebook.com/SeachtainnaGaeilge
instagram.com/snagaeilge
twitter.com/SnaGaeilge
Is féidir leat tuilleadh eolais ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge nó ar na himeachtaí thuasluaite a fháil trí rphost a chur chuig gaeilge@nmandd.org nó ar SEACHTAIN-NA-GAEILGE
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Sure everyone needs a life sized replica of a polar bear in their life!
It would look so well in the kitchen holding a fish knife, or perhaps leaning over the couch with the remote, or possibly in the garden with flashing lights around its neck.
So many uses, in fact you could say the ones above are only the 'tip of the iceberg' - Oh dear I can't Bear this any more, I'll just tell you where you could get it.
The self same bear is just one of the many useful and unusual items on sale at this months Stephen Fitzpatrick Auction at Castle Keys, Newry, on Saturday 30 July at 11am.
As usual you can view items in the auction from 11am-6pm tomorrow, Friday or just before the auction so take a wee call in. It's snow much fun!
The auction is held every month on the last Saturday of the month.
Please feel free to add your uses for such a once in a lifetime purchase in the comments below or if a witty comment is bursting to get out don't waste it, document it below.
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Come and delve into the wonder world of Newry-born collage artist Seán Hillen – the man who repositioned pyramids on Carlingford Lough for the Super Furry Animals.
He’s the subject of highly acclaimed documentary Tomorrow Is Saturday – and Iúr Cinn Fleadh is privileged to share a screening of the film, plus an exclusive conversation with the artist himself on Monday 29 August.
Highly Praised
Tomorrow Is Saturday is a TV cut of the IFTA 2021 nominated feature documentary, which won the audience award in the IFI documentary festival 2020.
Born in 1961 in Newry, Seán lives and works in Dublin. He studied at Belfast College of Art, the London College of Printing and at the Slade School.
His 1980s photo-collage works – based on his own documentary photographs mixed with tourist, toy packaging and fantasy material – were at different times highly praised and heavily censored. One recently featured as frontispiece in the Imperial War Museum’s book Art From Contemporary Conflict.
The gently post-apocalyptic and visionary Irelantis series – begun after he moved back to Ireland – was published in 1999 with an introduction by Fintan O’Toole and opening speech by Seamus Heaney. The series is mostly based on the already-hyperreal postcards of John Hinde and have themselves become part of the Irish cultural landscape, featuring on more than 40 book and magazine covers.
Sistine Chapel
His series in the 2000’s Searching For Evidence and in the 2010’s What’s Wrong? With The Consolations Of Genius related to the phenomena of ‘cognitive dissonance’ and conflicting theories in the wake of the 9/11 events. Seán recently began a number of new different series which he hopes to further collage into a large-scale work loosely based on the Sistine Chapel.
His work is in many private and significant public collections, and he has won several awards and prizes. He has been a visiting lecturer in many institutions, given a number of lectures to different audiences and appeared on a number of panel discussions.
See Seán at Bellinis on Monday 29 August at 7.30pm.
The documentary was produced by GMarsh TV Productions with Director Gillian Marsh who also produced The Funeral Director.
Tickets are £5 and can be got via the website at www.iurcinnfleadh.com or at the door on the night.
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A three-year slumber is quite an achievement but thankfully it's almost time to Wake the Giant!
Fionn mac Cumhaill, centrepiece of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Wake the Giant festival, is back in Warrenpoint this month.
The two-day event celebrates the legend of giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, who first cast his spell over the town in August 2016, and over the years both the giant, the festival and visitor numbers have grown in size. During the festival weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August, the town will be dwarfed by Fionn’s towering height and the mega programme of events.
Hailed to be the largest moving and speaking giant in the UK and Ireland, creator and local puppeteer, Francis Morgan, has completely transformed Fionn for this year’s event. At his tallest height yet, Fionn will oversee a family friendly festival of street performances, gigantic building decorations and mega food, drink, and accommodation specials.
Highlights of the festival include a great procession through the town on Saturday, led by Fionn who will be helped by local legend, the ‘Point Man’, played by actor Hugh Brown. Warrenpoint Municipal Park will be altered into The Land of Giants featuring Giant family activities, the Giant’s Feast Food Village, a Giant games zone and Giant craft village.
Throughout the weekend, a host of musicians will take to the stage of the Park’s beautiful bandstand. Brian Kennedy, one of Ireland's most inspired and revered ambassadors of music, headlines the bill and popular country music singer/songwriter, Catherine McGrath, returns home from Nashville. Crossmaglen singer/songwriter, Odhrán Murphy, whose music recently featured on the popular TV show, Love Island, also joins the line-up, along with Irish folk singer/songwriter Luka Bloom.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “Wake the Giant is one of the Council’s flagship events and I am delighted that it is returning to Warrenpoint where it has made its home since 2016 when it was first established as one of the major events under our Giant Adventures brand. Since then, we have worked to establish and grow the Giant Adventure festivals to inspire visitors and lead them to 'our place' as a holiday destination. It is more important than ever that we continue with this endeavour to support our local businesses and artists and create real economic benefits for our region this year and in the years ahead.”
Chairperson, Cllr Savage continued, “Everything about this year’s festival promises to be giant; a visual treat at every turn. The real wow factor will of course be the newly revamped Fionn that is hailed to be the largest talking and moving puppet throughout the UK and Ireland.”
On the first day of the festival crowds will be wowed when the spectacle of the wakened giant Fionn makes his way to the heart of Warrenpoint for the street performance of the show ‘Myth and Time’ before he bids farewell for the evening.
On the second and final day, festivities will continue at The Land of Giants in Warrenpoint’s Municipal Park before Fionn makes his return in the afternoon. The giant Fionn will awaken again from his sleep and perform ‘The Story of Cahir Linn’ - The City of the Pool - a hidden city under the waves of Carlingford Lough based on Michael G. Crawford’s, The legendary Stories of Carlingford Lough.
Before he bids the crowds farewell for this year, Fionn will share his desire for us all to look after our environment better. Brought to life through the Myth and Time street performance, compostable food packaging, beach clean, tree planting and the Giant Craft Village, Fionn’s message about looking after the area and thinking about our surroundings for the future will be followed by a tree planting ceremony at The Giants Forest in Clonallon Park in the town.
With so much on offer throughout the weekend, Visit Mourne is encouraging visitors to make a break of it and explore more of what the destination has to offer. For the full festival line-up and further information on where to stay, eat, and for even more things to do during your stay here in Visit Mourne, please go to visitmournemountains.co.uk
The Wake the Giant festival is part of Visit Mourne’s summer of Giant Adventures including the new Eats and Beats festival on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September in Newcastle, Co Down. The highly anticipated festival will bring the best in local and world food and music, featuring five music stages providing 70+ free performances.
The popular Footsteps in the Forest festival will also make a welcome return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Thursday 27 to Monday 31 October. Having grown in popularity with families since 2016, this year’s festival will celebrate the ancient traditions which mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
In addition to the Giant Adventures festivals there will be an exciting programme of summer events that will also celebrate the district’s culture and heritage. Next up is Iúr Cinn Fleadh from 25-29 August a feast of traditional music and arts in Newry City. These events will add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Visit Mourne.
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