Newry city centre is getting ready for Halloween, with family activities, live entertainment and fancy dress planned as part of Newry BID’s Spooks in the City programme.
Running from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, the programme brings together local shops, cafés, shopping centres and bars, with plenty of reasons to spend time in the city.
Two highlights on Saturday 31st October will be a guided Trick or Treat Trail for children and Newry’s Best Dressed Fancy Dress Competition across 13 nighttime venues.
The Trick or Treat Trail will take families on a storytelling adventure through the city. Children will follow clues, collect treats and help a little pumpkin called Pip find his missing Halloween glow. The trail finishes at Grounded with a babyccino or children’s hot chocolate.
Four sessions will run at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm, with up to 20 children per session. Advance booking is required.
That evening, Newry’s Best Dressed will give people a chance to show off their Halloween costumes. Each participating venue will select its best dressed entrant, who will receive a £50 voucher funded by Newry BID.
The selected entrants will then feature on Newry BID’s Facebook page for a public vote. The person named Newry’s Best Dressed will receive a further £250 in Newry BID vouchers, bringing their total prize to £300.
Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager, said: “Halloween is a great opportunity to bring people into the city and give them plenty to enjoy while they’re here. We want families to make a day of it, take part in the activities and visit our local shops and cafés.
“Our Trick or Treat Trail will be a lovely adventure for children, while Newry’s Best Dressed will bring plenty of fun to the bars that evening. The businesses have really got behind the programme, with activities and entertainment planned right across the weekend.”
The wider programme includes pumpkin trail, face painting, Sign, Rhyme & Shine at Newry Library, character appearances at Buttercrane, Halloween activities at The Quays, a craft event at Art Studio 23, live entertainment and pop-up performances from Newry Dance Academy.
Newry’s Best Dressed venues are Phoenix Bar, Catholic Workingman’s Club, Cobbles, Brass Monkey, Magee’s on the Quay, Ginger Jane’s, Nan Rice’s, Bridge Bar, The Bank, McSwiggans, McGuigan’s, Canal Court and McCoy’s. All of the hospitality outlets will have entertainment and lots of spooky fun.
The full downloadable programme and booking details is available on newry.com and social media channels.
ENDS