THE 2012 Hallowtides Festival will run from Monday 15 October to Saturday 3 November, boasting over 40 events with lots of FREE family fun! Helping launch this year’s programme is the Chairperson of Down District Council, Councillor Mickey Coogan, and Casper The Friendly Ghost aka Sarah Greene (Age 9) from Newcastle .
Commenting on the packed programme, Councillor Coogan said: “Down District Council is delighted to continue to grow this amazing festival which attracts over 25,000 visitors.
“It is a fabulous demonstration of how cooperation between local businesses, local community organisations and multi-agencies can come together to deliver a wonderful event. Events are a key contributor to our local economy and Down District Council prides itself in establishing and developing a series of flagship events across the district.”
This wonderful festival has incorporated both traditional and themed events and will begin with the Munsters Ink Colouring Competition and Super Slimey Window Display and Scarecrow Competition followed by a Treasure Hunt and Coastbusters Secret Haunts, all of which are sure to excite and entertain children during the mid term break.
The ‘Big Screen’ comes to Donard Park on Friday 2 November coutesy of the Newcastle Community Cinema. The drive-in movie follows the theme of this years festival – Ghostbusters! Vehicle capacity is limited so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Don’t miss the amazing Children’s Fancy Dress Party taking place on Saturday 3 November at 1.00pm in the Newcastle Centre and register for the Creatures and Crazies 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!
Connor Phillips and the Cool FM Roadshow will ignite the fuse to an evening of music, competitions and magic from 5.00pm. Our Legions of Doom Parade and Bedazzling Floats will include local school children who have all contributed greatly in their preparation to this fantastic event including St Mary’s Primary School, Newcastle; St Joseph’s Primary School, Carnacaville; Newcastle Primary School; St Patrick’s School, Burrenreagh; Sacred Heart Primary, Dundrum; Bunscoil Bheanna Biorche, Castlewellan; Castlewellan Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School, Aughlisnafinn.
South Eastern Regional College students (Downpatrick and Lisburn Campus), The Junior Glees Musical Society alongside local sports clubs in spectacular costumes and fancy dress will also team up with a wonderful series of Halloween themed floats by the local publicans and retail businesses accompanied by the Ghostbuster in their search for paranormal activity in the streets of Newcastle!
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 6.30pm before the amazing finale of the evening with Down’s Dazzling Fireworks at 7.30pm .
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. For the full flavour of the festival including Downpatrick’s Haunted Happenings check out www.downdc.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals
