Illumaphonium Installation to Illuminate Night Time Economy in Newry

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce that the immersive light exhibition, Illumaphonium: Halo will open in Newry on Friday 2 February, running for four weeks.

This free attraction, funded by the Funded by the Department for Communities, features a dynamic and interactive, multi-sensory, music making installation, created by musician and inventor, Michael Davis, which will be at Sugar Island in front of Newry Town Hall.

Why not beat of the winter blues and join Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, for the grand switch on at 7pm on Friday 2 February, and take the opportunity to walk around, get involved and make music.  The opening night will also feature a specially commissioned dance piece by Maiden Voyage, in response to the floods in Newry.

Talking about what the light and sound display will mean for Newry, Chairperson, Cllr Harte said, “This installation is placed here for the enjoyment of the people of the City and to help direct trade to this area and promote the City’s nighttime economy. It is an exciting time with the forthcoming investment into the Town Hall and we look forward to the future.”

She continued, “The Council recognises the difficulty that businesses faced in the wake of the recent flooding and continues to support traders and the regeneration of the City through this and other forthcoming initiatives.  Please do come along to experience this public art initiative, make a night of it and enjoy all the Newry has to offer!”

The installation has been created to bring people together into a fun and spontaneous music making experience.  It is made up of a number of musical sculptures consisting of more than a hundred illuminated chime bars, each of which respond to touch, with ever changing patterns of light and sound, spreading out like waves over the instrument’s surface.  The work will be lit from 5pm to 10pm each night, it is free and will run until Thursday 29 February, giving you plenty of time to make plans in Newry City this February.