Hallowtides 2016

Hallowtides in Newry, Mourne and Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced an action packed, family friendly, spooktacular programme of Halloween events taking place in Newcastle and Newry.

The ‘Hallowtides’ programme is bursting with activities for everyone to enjoy, so be aware as you take a stroll down Newcastle Main Street or visit the Town Hall and Market in Newry as there may be some unexpected spooky surprises.

The long established ‘Hallowtides Festival’ in Newcastle will run from Friday 28 to Monday 31 October. This year the theme is ‘MourneQuest’ so keep a close eye out for the Dullahan who might be lurking around the streets!

The Newcastle Festival features a packed schedule of events with Cool FM’s Paulo Ross entertaining the crowds with great music and give-aways from the festival stage on Central Promenade. The ever popular Haunted House will be making its return to the Newcastle Centre and will open from Saturday right through to Monday.

On Halloween night, take part in the ever popular fancy dress competition and watch the spooky Parade. The Annual fireworks display, which has earned a reputation as one of the best in Northern Ireland, will feature as the pinnacle in the programme closing out the festival from the beach at 7.45pm.

Newry will play host to a number of fantastic Halloween events for all of the family to enjoy. On Friday 28 the extremely popular Twlight Market will be making its return to the city, bringing you the finest food and drink the area has to offer with a wide selection of pop up restaurants, food producers, craft beers and ciders available all combined with entertaining chef demonstrations, food tastings, full bar facilities and live entertainment all kicking off at 5pm at Newry Market. Children can get into the Halloween spirit by taking part in pumpkin carving from 5pm to 8pm

Bringing the night to a close will be the firework display over the Newry Basin. As it is Halloween it is the perfect time of year to dress to impress at the popular costume competition.

Newry’s iconic Town Hall will be a hub of spooky fun on Saturday 29 October from 11am – 5pm.  Costume makers will be on hand to inspire and create, make-up artists will transform sweet cheeks into terrible terrors, there will be ghoulish caricatures drawn and the Mourne Quest adventure story will be delivered by the author himself. You might even catch a glimpse of ghostly players from days gone by!

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick commented, “It is fantastic to see Halloween events taking place across the district and this year the packed Hallowtides programme will provide something for everyone. This year Newcastle is set to be bigger and better than ever as the myths and legends of the MourneQuest adventure will be brought to life!”

Councillor Fitzpatrick continued, “The Newry Twilight Market and fireworks display will combine Halloween and the Year of Food and Drink in a fantastic way. Newcastle and Newry really get into the eerie spirit and I would encourage visitors to come to town and join in on the fun.

Hallowtides not only provides entertainment for the whole community but also attracts significant numbers of visitors contributing to Newry, Mourne and Down’s wider tourism strategy.”

For further information or a free copy of the festival programme please contact Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 4372 2222 or full event listings online at www.newrymournedown.org or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals.