New local music collective Shining Light launches at Down Arts Centre
The Shining Light initiative has been hailed as a great success by local music enthusiasts – musicians and fans alike – after its first well attended double-evening event this week.
Presented by Down Music Collective in association with Down Arts Centre, the event showcased the diversity, talent and creativity of original local artists.
The audiences enjoyed an intimate evening of live music, connection and storytelling, offering a spotlight for musicians whose work is rooted in the people, places and experiences of County Down.
The music was performed by eight different groups and soloists who gave up their time to bring the idea of the musical collective to reality as a Shining Light.
Quote from Shining Light, a song by Downpatrick-based band Ash:
“We made a connection
A full on chemical reaction
Brought by dark divine intervention
Yeah, you are a shining light…”
On Friday evening, the music started at 8pm with a brilliant solo effort from Jack Node on electric guitar with alternate pop, then First Ted On The Moon landed with great vocals and drumming from Ted Ellison, one of the event organisers, followed by Conal Montgomery, event organiser, and lead singer with Black Moon Dog, a rock band with real attitude.
Then on Saturday evening Damian Hanna started the evening with his tantaliising solo followed by the dynamic Trist, Elaine Murphy on acoustic guitar whose strong, rich voice embraced modern country, and the Barry Shields group Every March ended the evening in style.
Conal Montgomery, one of the local musicians who helped organise the Shining Light initiative said: “The local community of musicians really felt something needed to be done to lift up the local scene.
“And after chatting among ourselves, we approached Down Arts Centre and put forward a proposal and we’re delighted that they have backed us.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE TWO NIGHTS PERFORMANCES ON DOWN NEWS FACEBOOK
“Basically we felt that Downpatrick was lagging behind other towns in Down and we just want to lift Downpatrick up. It really all started from someone’s post on social media saying the town was ‘dead’ at the weekends. Myself, Erin, Ted, Barry, Eva Rowan, and Charlie Hanlon and others just pulled together and is all happened.
“Many of the musicians have another talent – songwriting – and thet are only too willing to share their songs in performances.
“It was a brilliant two nights of music thanks to all the performers and we are going to run this a few time over the year.”
Musician Ted Ellison, organiser, said: “We used the name ‘Shining Light’ as it came from an Ash song. Ash are a very well-known group who originated from Downpatrick and have performed on the global stage.
“We really wanted to give local artists and performers a platform to play and to let the people of this district know what musical talent they have on their doorstep.
“We plan to run more of these events showcasing local musical talent. And it will eventually broaden out to cover diverse genres in music such as Irish country and folk, and session music and I’m sure well have punk and other forms too all in the mix.
“It’s for all people of all ages to come along and perform and enjoy, and it removes the fear of playing sessions – everyone is supportive and it’s all very positive.”
And Barry Shields, also said that “The Down Arts Center is an excellent venue in our community and needs to be used a lot more and supported by local people. The setting here is just great and ideal for a medium sized-gig such as this.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE TWO NIGHTS PERFORMANCES ON DOWN NEWS FACEBOOK
“There is an super sound system and lighting, and its just a comfortable setting for an event with tables as much as a tiered, seated event. We’re just getting started so we hope the Down Arts Centre will be packed for our next gig. Watch this space!”
Erin K Hill who grew up in Virginia, and lived in Scotland for a long spell, is now resident in Downpatrick. Erin played her Appalacian drone instrument creating a deep background tone reminiscent of the bagpipes, and sang some roots-based country music and mixed in her own songs and interpretations such as ‘Dry Bones’ which had a catchy mixed tempo.
Erin said: “I’m delighted to have supported this event. We do need to showcase our local musical talent a lot more and we are now on our way to seeing more gigs in the Down Arts Centre which is a terrific venue in the near future.”
Janine Walker, Arts Officer, Down Arts Centre said: “Shining Light is about celebrating the musicians and songwriters who are creating original work in our own community.
“These special evenings will give audiences the chance to discover new music, hear the stories behind the songs and support the local talent that continues to make County Down’s music scene so vibrant.
“Downpatrick has long been home to a rich musical heritage, inspiring generations of musicians and songwriters.
“Now, a current group of artists have formed a musical collective under the banner Shining Light, creating a platform to celebrate fresh music, shared stories and songs written right here in County Down.”
The event took place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September 2026 at 8pm, with the bar open from 7pm,
Shining LIght, appeals to music lovers, supporters of local culture and anyone interested in discovering original voices from the area.
See what’s on at the Down Arts Centre at: www.downartscentre.com
or telephone on 0330 137 4014, or contact [email protected].
Down Arts Centre is located in the heart of Downpatrick and produces a year-round programme of arts events including exhibitions, live theatre, music, entertainment, comedy performances, workshops and classes.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE TWO NIGHTS PERFORMANCES ON DOWN NEWS FACEBOOK
