MOURNES ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF OPERA AT IRISH OPEN FRINGE FESTIVAL

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working in partnership with Northern Ireland Opera to bring a new unique piece of golf inspired performance to Newcastle during the Irish Open.

The piece called LoveGolfOpera has never been performed before anywhere else in the world and already this new exciting project is drawing huge media interest. The performance which will last 27 sparkling minutes written by Brian Irvine and Owen McCafferty will be presented by Northern Ireland Opera.

Composer Brian Irvine has been recently appointed Belfast Music Laureate whilst Owen McCafferty is a Northern Ireland award winning playwright. The witty performance will lift the lid on what happens when love and the world’s greatest sports collide. Northern Ireland Opera have announced that the music soundtrack recording will be carried out by the fabulous RTE symphony orchestra.

The performance will be shown at 5pm in Castle Park on Saturday 30 May as part of the Irish Open Fringe Festival and will no doubt draw huge crowds. The Council is delighted to be putting on this FREE performance and Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, ”We are really pulling out all the stops to ensure that there will be a range of events in town that everyone can enjoy during the Irish Open Fringe Festival. It is very exciting for the Council to be involved in this unique performance. I would encourage locals and visitors alike to make the most of this one-off opportunity and be the first to witness this performance that undoubtedly will become famous worldwide.”

Those attending the comedy night on the Saturday evening at St Mary’s Hall will be in for a double treat as the NI Opera have agreed to warm up the crowds as they await the arrival of ‘Northern Ireland’s Queen of Comedy’ May McFettridge.

For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival programme please contact Newcastle Visitor Centre on 028 4372 2222 or full listings online at www.facebook.com/DownFestivals