It’s time to ‘flow’ to Silent Valley again, as NI Water marks its’ tenth anniversary.
In co-operation with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership, NI Water will be hosting the latest of our famous family fun days at the beautiful Silent Valley Mountain Park near Kilkeel on Sunday 19 March, with gates open from 1pm-5pm. The event is based on the theme of ‘Step into Spring.’
The Silent Valley event, which takes place at one of NI Water’s most important sites, is a curtain raiser to NI Water’s programme of events to mark its’ tenth anniversary – the company was established in its’ current form in April 2007 to deliver water and wastewater services in Northern Ireland.
The ‘Step into Spring’ event is the latest of a series of family fun events at Silent Valley, open to everyone to come and explore the beauty of this wonderful site for themselves – it promises to be a day of musical fun and adventure for the whole family to enjoy.
The Chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, said: “The council are delighted to be involved in this NI Water celebratory event at Silent Valley. Food and drink have become increasingly important to tourism as they offer visitors the opportunity to learn about our heritage, landscape and culture and meet our people.
‘‘The artisan food village will give you a chance to experience the tasty offerings from our award winning local producers.
‘‘Save the date, as there will be something for the whole family to experience and enjoy.’’
Ronan Larkin of NI Water, said: ‘‘As always, our Silent Valley open day is a not to be missed extravaganza for all the family, with something for everyone – the Swingabellas will be providing toe-tapping music for you to swing your partner to all afternoon, the ever-popular Babcock and Bobbin kids’ entertainers will be in attendance and archery, laser clay pigeon shooting and climbing walls will be in place for marksmen and daredevils respectively!
‘‘Forget about Sunday lunch for one day and sample the local Council’s artisan food market, with food and goodies for sale to keep everyone’s hunger satisfied. There’s also plenty for the kids to do, with face painting, glitter tattoos and the artistic talents of Doodlebug Crafts helping to create Mother’s Day themed crafts and pieces. What’s more, the day will be a great opportunity for pampering and relaxation with head and hand massages and hair modelling for both males and females, plus nail painting, and more.
‘‘Even the culture vultures are accounted for – we also have guided walks of the Valley organised by the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership, storytellers and historical characters on walkabout, showing everyone what life was like for those who constructed the dam as a water site nearly 100 years ago.
‘‘There’s no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than in the wonderful surroundings of Silent Valley, being serenaded and enjoying the activities – even better, entrance and car-parking are completely free on the day!
‘‘We look forward to welcoming back many familiar faces and hopefully some first time visitors to Silent Valley on Sunday 19 March as NI Water invites everyone to ‘Step into Spring’ and mark a decade of delivering what matters for all the people of Northern Ireland.’’
Camilla Fitzpatrick, Scheme Manager for the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership, added: “We are delighted to partner with NI Water and the Council to raise awareness of the rich industrial and cultural heritage of this site”.
