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Think Global but Act Local - Come Along and support this Sunday Afternoon’s completely FREE Climate Change Concert in Newry Town Hall
Newry Climate Change Concert takes place this Sunday Afternoon 29th of November at Newry Town Hall from 3pm to 5pm. It’s a Free Concert and doors open at 2.30pm. Artists and organisers are giving their time completely free so get along to listen. The concert is supported by Friends of the Earth and Newry 2020.
It will mark the importance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Paris, the same weekend as well as over 2000 other events throughout the world.
The objective of the concert is to achieve a binding and universal agreement on climate from all the nations of the world. An agreement regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the global temperature increase to 2 degrees C.
The concert that aims to showcase our depth of local talent and performers include Scor groups: Mullaghbawn CLG Dancers, Mullaghbawn Ladies Football Trad Group, Mullaghbawn Mens Football Trad Group; Martin Fitzpatrick (2015 World Champion with MacDonald Memorial Pipe Band); Irish Dancing 4Fun Troupe; Highland Dancers, New youth band “Guest”; "The Rolling Tones” Abbey Junior Jazz Band, Paul Loughran and Bonda Bonita.
There will also be Climate Change information stalls there on the day.
For more information contact info@newry2020.com
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Newry Christmas Fayre and and Family Funday for Autism takes place this Sunday 6 December at Newry Variety Market.
The Fayre is open from 11am – 5pm and you will be met with an array of 70 craft stalls selling everything from the perfect Christmas gift to unique festive decorations ready to brighten up any home. Stop by some for some tasty food and bakery stalls before soaking up the holiday atmosphere with the help of the many choirs, dance displays and live singers.
Have a go on a climbing wall or the ‘Bucking Reindeer’ and of course no Christmas celebrations would be complete without a visit to the big man himself in Santa’s Grotto. (£3 per child and includes a gift).
The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, “This is a fantastic local initiative which I am privileged to support. The Making A Change group are a wonderful bunch of people who contribute massively to community life in Newry, Mourne and Down. They should be applauded for this event which has become an annual outing for many families in the wider Newry area. I am really looking forward to attending and I wish them every success with their fundraising efforts.”
All proceeds of this year’s Christmas Fayre will be going to the local charity ‘Making A Change (MAC)’ who offers various training courses and support programmes for individuals living with autism and their families. For more information www.mac-ni.org.
For more event information visit Facebook and search ‘Newrys Christmas Fayre and Family Funday for autism’
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The Celtic Tenors have come home for their first tour of the province in many years and will play the Canal Court in Newry on Friday the 22nd of April.
Combining their ability to entertain with classically-trained tenor voices, they offer something unique. Having sold millions of albums all over the world, they’re performing a series of concerts back home where it all began. For a great evening out and a chance to sample a real Irish success story, the Celtic Tenors always give a show to remember, home or abroad. Guest singers will join the three gentlemen throughout the tour.
Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster outlets and the Canal Court Hotel.
Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson have performed together as the Celtic Tenors for over fifteen years , they offer more than beautiful voices and musical knowledge. Comfortable in all genres from classical and folk to Irish and pop, they bring their audience on a real musical voyage. A relaxing and wonderful evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.
As well as playing Newry their ‘Homecoming Tour will also play:
Thursday 14th April - Bardic Theatre, Donaghmore
Friday 15th April - Strule Arts Centre, Omagh
Saturday 16th April - Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen **Dinner Show**
Thursday 21st April - Millennium Forum, Derry
Saturday 23 April - Europa Hotel, Belfast **Dinner Show**
The Celtic Tenors have broken new ground by stepping away from their classical roots, and adding a more contemporary edge. With this pioneering approach, they’ve welcomed a wider audience and fostered a fresh and invigorating style which has won them both critical acclaim and so many fans the world over.
From their No. 1 Chart Positions in Ireland & Germany, (and No. 2 in the UK ) to their three platinum selling albums, their international reputation continues to grow. Across the Atlantic, they have achieved Top Ten spots in both US Billboard and Canadian Charts. Having given private performances to world leaders from Bill Clinton to Kofi Annan and many more in between, the Celtic Tenors are a real worldwide phenomenon. They’ve also shown a remarkable ability to capture the hearts of sports fans in international stadia from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Dublin and Glasgow at opening ceremonies and interval shows.
And they are the only tenor group with a truly global audience…whether playing a neighbourhood cathedral or major concert halls in international cities like New York, Amsterdam or Shanghai, professional and most of all, good humoured performances are assured. They genuinely love what they do and you’ll see that shine through in each rendition of beautiful Celtic songs like the haunting Danny Boy and exhilarating classics like Nessun Dorma.
From The Celtic Tenors, you’ll get more than a performance by world-class artists. It’s a musical experience like no other. Tickets available for these intimate concerts are available from all usual Ticketmaster outlets and Venues from this Wedneday. Visit www.Celtic-Tenors.com for further info.
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Five new works from artist Richard Warde will be on display in the Carroll Gallery, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Newry, until the end of February 2016.
Richard Warde said, “I was born in Newry and lived in USA for 16 years working as a carpenter, and have been now returned home to Newry working as a Driver. My art consists of relief carvings and are made from Bondo, which is an automotive body filler, all-purpose putty, acrylic spray paints and printing inks. I have put my interpretation onto boards of some of my life experiences, providing a visual insight into my life thus far.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, “I would encourage anyone who is interested in Art to go and view the exhibition. Newry has a long tradition of supporting the visual arts and I wish Richard every success with this venture”.
The Exhibition will be on display until 29 February and will be open for viewing office hours Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9am to 3pm.
For further information on exhibitions please telephone 028 3031 3180.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in conjunction with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have organised a joint St Patrick's Festival and it's one of the most ambitious events yet!
Billed as the biggest-ever St Patrick’s Festival of events to be held in Ireland or the UK, a jaw-dropping combined programme of more than 100 events will bring the best of culture, music, song and dance to key locations right across Armagh and Down.
For ten full days from March 10, thousands of visitors get to choose from an unrivalled schedule of activity as part of the brand new St Patrick’s Festival schedule – the result of an innovative and exciting collaboration between both councils.
Bound together by the importance and significance of their locations in the life of St Patrick, his legacy and mission, the two councils will provide an impressive and eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, dance, poetry, exhibitions, lectures and a series of special walks and talks to suit all tastes. Speciality food and drink events have also been created to boost the energy levels for those on the go.
The festival schedule features an inspiring range of spiritual events, many of which draw on the significance of St Patrick and the important role he played in bringing Christianity to Ireland and which allow visitors to reflect and retrace his steps. In addition, thought-provoking tours and church services allow the true meaning of his legacy to be remembered.
Councillor Catherine Seeley, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon said: “The foundation of Armagh’s legendary status and its historical importance rests firmly on the life of St Patrick and, with our partners at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, we are thrilled to showcase a superb programme of events which will captivate and enthral visitors from near and far.
“The breadth of activity and talent on show is outstanding and the programme provides everyone with at least 100 reasons to visit.”
In Armagh City, The Market Place Theatre takes centre stage to showcase several of the festival’s signature events – including Celtic Spirit, a traditional and spiritual musical celebration of St Patrick which features BBC’s The Voice winner Andrea Begley among others, while Moya Brennan and Connla add to the high-calibre of acts scheduled to perform.
Music plays a key role throughout the festival, with the Ulster Orchestra lined up for a unique performance at the Church of Ireland Cathedral. The Arco String Quartet will also be performing at the Palace Chapel as part of a busy line-up of stunning live shows and choral events taking place across the region.
There are also a series of specially-planned events at the Navan Fort & Centre, at the Armagh Observatory, St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick, and at Down Cathedral.
Councillor Mickey Ruane, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said:
“Many of the pivotal moments in St Patrick’s life took place across this region, whether at Saul church or his burial site at Down Cathedral and we look forward to celebrating his contribution and his legacy with the highest quality offering of modern and traditional musicians, dance troupes, cultural performances and spiritual events for everyone to enjoy.”
Across locations in Downpatrick and Newry, venues featuring top musical highlights include award-winning singer-songwriters Duke Special and Brian Finnegan are high up on the menu, while the spiritual significance of the festival is fully retained with the Pilgrimage Prayer Walk from Saul to Down Cathedral.
Among several events designed to tempt your taste buds, Downpatrick also hosts a special re-enactment of St Patrick’s landing which will also feature a stunning medieval banquet.
A key highlight of the festival programme includes the crowd-pleasing carnival parades and processions which will take place in Newry, Downpatrick and in Armagh on St Patrick’s Day when spectacular displays of colour, music, dance and entertainment, embracing the theme of “Feasts and Wild Beasts” will provide hours of enjoyment.
The internationally-acclaimed St Patrick’s Lecture takes place at The Market Place Theatre on March 16th and will feature the Primates of the two principal churches in Ireland in conversation with BBC journalist Tara Mills.
A free shuttle bus service will be available to transport visitors between Armagh and Downpatrick for a selection of key events taking place over the course of the Festival.
To download the full Festival programme and for full details of locations, times and ticket prices, if applicable, visit www.saintpatrickscountry.com
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The ‘Glór 2016’ local studies magazine, a bilingual publication to mark the centenary of the Rising, will be on sale in the Chapel Street Gaeláras from midday Saturday 26th March.
Two key articles in the magazine will examine the split in the Gaelic League in Dundalk in 1915, when the IRB effectively politicised the organisation and thereby alienated Douglas Hyde, and a feature which looks at the language movement in Newry as the cradle of radical, advanced nationalism in the town.
The magazine however, while it has political content given the year that’s in it, also encompasses many voices on a diverse range of topics: Old Newry items (Canal Street and Water Street reflections); interviews with women (a Poor Clare nun, a former political prisoner, a worker in the gasworks); an account of a 1916 local shipping disaster; a detailed, wide-ranging article, with photographs, of the revival of Irish Dancing in the town; reminiscences on Rann na Feirste in the 1930s; poetry and review; Irish language events; Republican resistance in Newry in the 1950s; an interview with ex-internee Gerry Mackey; the Schools’ Folklore Collection 1930s; the importance of the Proclamation for Newry’s lgbt community; Protestant Origins of Republicanism in Newry; Saint Brigid’s Shrine, Faughart; a tribute to Aodh Ó Luaois/Harry Lewis, Camloch, and another one to Brian Campbell, Newry; Newry place-names; the post-famine decline of Irish in South Armagh; the founding of the Catholic Boy Scouts in the town; musings on 1916… Writers include Dr. Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh, Niall Comer, Paddy Traynor; Dr. John Mc Cavitt, Ciarán Mac Murchaidh; Éamon Mac an tSaoir; Seán Óg Mac an tSaoir; Dr. Séamus Mac an tSaoir; Damian Mc Kevitt; Séamus Mac Dhaibhéid; Deirdre Frame; Mícheal Mac Ardghail; Eoghan Ó Coinn; Seán Patterson; Breandán Ó Luaois; Lábhras Ó Brolcháin; Martin Hearty; John Duffy; Benny Mc Kay. For those who remember, or collected the magazines at the time, “Glór 2016” is modelled on the “Cuisle na nGael” bilingual template which proved very popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Commenting on the ‘Glór 2016’ commemorative venture, John Stewart, who is Chair of Coiste na Cásca in Newry, said: ‘The magazine includes a number of authentic narratives from ordinary Newry people, some of whom are Irish speakers. Molaim an obair seo mar tá sé tábhachtach i gcónaí guth na ndaoine a chloisteáil. It’s a bumper edition and very good value at an expected selling price of £5. We can expect from the Gaelic League Exhibition itself (Aspects of Nationalism in Newry), which also runs at the Gaeláras over the Easter period, the usual eclectic mix of recordings (Orange & Green), images, prison art, and rare print materials. Visitors will be encouraged to make up their own minds on aspects of our shared local history. Mo chomhairle féin, ná caill é/Don’t miss it. ”
The magazine is being published by Craobh an Iúir de Chonradh na Gaeilge who were recently selected as Best Branch in Ulster at the Gaelic League Ard Fheis held in Trinity College Dublin.
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There's plenty of Music and entertainment for young and old with a selection of events happening at Newry Museum around St Patrick's day. Some of the events also take on a distinctly Easter flavour with the early celebration of the feast this year.
The Museum will host an evening of traditional and popular music, with Brendan Monaghan, Vessie and Nikolay Ivanovi on Wednesday 16 March at 7.30pm. The programme will include jigs and reels such as ‘The trip to Athlone’, ‘The road to Lisdoonvarna’, songs from local composers such as Tommy Sands, as well as pieces from other countries and cultures. Tickets will cost £3.
Thursday 17 March from 10am to 11.30am there will be an arts and crafts workshop. This will involve children making their own designs and pendants. Cost per child is £1.50. An adult must accompany children. Numbers are limited to 20 children and pre-booking of places is advisable.
From 1pm to 3pm on 17 March there will also be an afternoon of music with Barry Kieran and SJ McArdle, two-thirds of Louth contemporary folk band Kern. You can expect thunderous sets of traditional tunes vying with lyrical, atmospheric songs and if you are lucky, a bowl of stew was well. Tickets will cost £3.
Easter is early this year so we will have our arts and crafts activities, themed around, amongst other things, bonnets and bunnies on Saturday 19 March. There are two sessions, 10.30am to 12pm and again from 1.30pm to 3pm. Cost per child is £1.50. Numbers are limited to 20 children per session and pre booking of places is advisable. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The updates and revamps of the main galleries and the temporary exhibitions ‘The World has become Smaller: transport through the ages in Newry and Mourne’ and 'All Politics is Local: the development of local government in the Newry and Mourne area' will be open throughout these days.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said,”The Museum is offering a wide range of things to do and see for both St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Anyone with an interest in music will have plenty to choose from and parents will have lots of arts activities for children to pick from. While the recent updates to the Museum exhibitions mean there will be something new to see when you visit the galleries. ”
If you wish to book or you require more information about these events please telephone 028 3031 3178 or email declan.carroll@newryandmourne.gov.uk
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The 64th Newry Drama Festival opens tomorrow night for a sparkling nine night run of plays, from drama groups throughout the island.
This year it’s in Warrenpoint Town Hall due to on-going renovation work at Newry Town Hall and it starts at 7.30pm every night. Nightly tickets are £9 Adult/ £8 concession.
The Festival Club this year is The Lough and Quay, Marine Parade with Supper and Bar facilities available.
THE PLAYS
Friday 11th March Bart Players, Belfast
RUMOURS
Neil Simon
The play shows a dinner party gone topsy turvy. Ken and his wife Chris are attending Charlie’s party but things are not going to plan. Rumours is a farcical play with the usual multi-faceted confusions and the guests blaming Ken for the situation.
Saturday 12th March Palace Players, Fermoy
THE GIGLI CONCERT
Tom Murphy
The story centres on the encounters and exchanges between an unnamed, self made Irish property developer consumed with a wish to sing like Gigli, and an English ‘healer’ who professes to help people realise their potential. First produced at The Abbey Theatre in 1983.
Sunday 13th March Gorey Little Theatre
THE BIRDS
Conor McPherson
Based on Daphne Du Maurier’s short story which inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s film of the same title. A gripping, unsettling and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse. In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from the masses of attacking birds.
Monday 14th March Ballyshannon Drama Society
OLD TIMES
Harold Pinter
An attractive middle-class home is inhabited by an attractive articulate couple until Anna arrives to stay with her old friend Kate and her husband, Deeley. Each charector reminices about their shared experiences of the past - but each has a different version of events.
Tuesday 15th March Newpoint Players, Newry
TIME AND REMEMBERING
Sean Treanor
The play depicts the life of a farming couple from the beginning of their relationship through the birth of their son and his growing up, and ends with their growing old and infirm. The story-telling owes as much to dance and movement as a traditional narrative.
Wednesday 16th March Rosemary Drama Group, Belfast
KINDERTRANSPO
Diane Samuels
In 1938 the British Government introduced a programme which gave Jewish children safe passage to the UK. Spared the horrors of the death camps, the children were uprooted, separated from their parents and transported to an other culture where they faced a mixture of kindness and occasional exploitation.
Thursday 17th March Gifford Players
A CRUCIAL WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A GROCER’S ASSISTANT
Tom Murphy
John Joe Moran is a 34 year old dreamer, a ‘fooleen’ of a man who can’t decide whether to stick it out at home or to emigrate to the great unknown. The play is a comedy about an unfunny situation in a community which struggles to disguise the outward signs of their poverty.
Friday 18th March Dundalk Theatre Workshop
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
(Strong Language)
David Mamet
Four desperate Chicago real-estate agents are prepared to engage in any number of unethical illegal acts - from lies to bribery, threats, intimidation and burglary - to sell undesirable real-estate to unwitting prospective buyers. The play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984.
Saturday 19th March Prosperous Dramatic Society, Naas
OLD MAN TWO GUVNORS
Richard Bean
Described as “one of the most side-splitting hilarious productions ever to be staged in London” An easily - confused Francis Henshall becomes separately employed by two men - one, a local gangster and the other an upper class criminal. Francis must try to keep the two men from meeting at all costs.
Adjudicator
Adjudicator Tony Rushford returns to Newry Drama Festival. Tony studied at the school of Speech and Drama in London and acted with the Harrogate Repertory Company and also directed productions at the Bradford Playhouse, the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon, the Georgian Theatre, Richmond and at the Edinburgh Festival.
For twenty years he was Head of the Drama Department at St. Mary’s University in Strawberry Hill. He spent six months as Visiting Fellow in Performing Arts at Melbourne University and returned to adjudicate the Sydney Theatre Festival.
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St Patrick's night sees quite a unique event up at Narrow Water Castle when the first ever St Patricks Day Ball takes place and with only a week to go it's time to get those tickets booked!
Come celebrate St Patricks day in a stunning 16th century Irish castle set in a magical location overlooking Carlingford Lough where CS Lewis got his inspiration for Narnia. The picturesque Cooley mountain backdrop is set deep in the heart of the Mournes.
Sure the beauty of this place is rarer than a pot of gold and so are the tickets to the FIRST EVER, St Patrick's Day Ball in this castle.
Ticket price includes prosseco on arrival, buffet by a michellin starred chef, live performances by Traditional Irish musicians as well as local band "Up The Left" and renowned DJ ‘Jumpin Jerry’ playing into the wee hours.
Guests can arrive from 7.30/8pm onwards. Last entry is 11.30pm
The bar is open till 2.15am and guests are expected to leave the premises by 2.30am.
This is an adult only event-over 18 years of age.
1950s dress code is encouraged.
There will also be a prize draw for two lucky winners to spend a weekend on a narrowboat located on Newry Ship canal.
You can purchase tickets here: HTTP://BUYTICKETS.AT/THEWEEGREENBOATONTHEQUAYS/46466
Tickets £35
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