Council Celebrates World Book Day with Children’s Book Launch

To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of World Book Day on Thursday 3 March, Newry Mourne and Down District Council has launched a brand new children’s book, ‘The Rhythm of the Night, An Adventure Story in Warrenpoint Municipal Park’.

The book has been created through collaboration with National Lottery Heritage Fund, AmmA Creative Learning, author Declan Carville and illustrator Grainne Cullinane as part of Warrenpoint Municipal Park’s outreach programme of events and activities, which encourages people to visit, enjoy and engage with the Park and its heritage.

Written by local author, Declan Carville, inspiration for the story was taken from the beautifully restored Warrenpoint Municipal Park, especially its bandstand. As the story unfolds the tranquil place is transformed into a secret concert venue, hosted by a very special conductor and the guest of honour is a newcomer to the town.  Even though the story is based locally, the theme is universal and relevant to young readers everywhere, creating the sense that magic musical adventures really can happen.

The Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee, Councillor Karen McKevitt attended the book launch in Warrenpoint Municipal Park. Speaking on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, Cllr McKevitt said. “Declan’s love of the area and passion for storytelling is harnessed in the story.  As a young boy visiting the town and spending long summer holidays staying with family who lived along the seafront, Warrenpoint has always had a special place in Declan’s heart.  Now he has given us a wonderful opportunity to be able to celebrate the Park in a story book and through its tale of friendship, birds and music, the appeal of this unique space will continue to live on for many generations to come. 

Cllr McKevitt continued, “Praise must also go to Grainne Cullinne for bringing the story to life through her brightly coloured illustrations.  The pictures will spark the imagination of the young readers and I am delighted that the book will be available as an e-book in Irish and English”.
Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said, ”Regenerating and conserving public parks remains a high priority for us, and we have been delighted to support the restoration of Warrenpoint Municipal Park as well as the events and initiatives that connect it with the community. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support the publication of this adventure story that will showcase the Park to readers across Northern Ireland and beyond”

Daniel O’Reilly from the Education Authority AmmA said, “We are delighted to have been able to support Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in delivering this project.  With over 15 years of experience supporting creativity in education, we are very proud of the outcomes that we have achieved through this partnership and we look forward watching this story grow as part of the history, the heritage and the future of Warrenpoint Municipal Park”.

Warrenpoint Municipal Park was restored in 2018 with funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Council.  Since 2018 there have been a wide range of activities in the Park and online to encourage people to visit the Park and enjoy the facilities.  The Council has been working with a wide range of partners in the delivery of the educational and community orientated activities working closely with the local schools.

The book will be provided to all libraries in Northern Ireland and local schools to share the story of ‘The Rhythm of the Night in Warrenpoint Municipal Park’.