Don’t miss the amazing Children’s Fancy Dress Party taking place on Saturday 29th October at 1.00pm in the Newcastle Centre and register for the Order of the Griffin Fancy Dress Competition from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. Newcastle Promenade will be invaded by The Dark Order and Fallen Angels courtesy of our animated stilt characters who will mesmerise party goers as they creep and scuttle along the Promenade. Be prepared to be scared! [caption id="attachment_30343" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Down District Council Vice Chairman Liam Johnston doubling as Harry Potter launches the Hallowtides Festival in Newcastle at the end of October."][/caption] Connor Phillips and the Cool FM Roadshow will ignite the fuse to an evening of music, competitions and magic from 5.00pm. Our Parade of Light and Bedazzling Floats will include local school children who have all contributed greatly in their preparation to this fantastic event. Children are from St Mary’s Primary, St Joseph’s Primary, Carnacaville, Newcastle Primary, St Patrick’s Primary, Burrenreagh, Sacred Heart Primary and Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche. The Junior Glees Musical Society alongside local sports clubs in spectacular costumes and fancy dress will also team up with a wonderful series of ‘Harry Potter’ themed floats by the local publicans and retail businesses. Watch as they stride and glide from Railway Street to the Festival Stage and don’t miss the ‘Best Float’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ winners announced by Connor Phillips at 7.00pm before the amazing finale of the evening with Down’s Dazzling Fireworks at 7.30pm sharp. The night sky will be illuminated with all the colours of the rainbow as our amazing fireworks display melts over the Mourne Mountains and spectacular seafront. As the night and fun is only beginning why not check out the many events across Newcastle including Quinns Fireworks Festival Party which promises party games and lots of fun on all three floors? The Roxy Horror Show at Donard Bar will entertain you with live music and prizes for best fancy dress while O’Hare’s Lounge Bars hosts an amazing Halloween Fancy Dress Ball with more cash prizes. Or why not relive the past with the Glam Rock Night at The Anchor Bar?  Billy Leathem will keep your feet tapping at the Harbour House Inn and another Fancy Dress ‘Fright Night’ swings into action at Diamond Pat’s. For the full flavour of the festival including Downpatrick’s Haunted Happenings check out  www.downdc.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals, or pick up a FREE Hallowtides programme from our Festival Office on 028 4372 2222 for full details.]]>