Newry City of Merchants' Festival

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council present the first City of Merchants festival showcasing Newry's merchant past from Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October.

Friday 29 September Events

‘A Newry Merchant’s Journey’

A walking tour which starts at Bagenal’s Castle and ends with dinner from 3pm to 9pm. Booking essential at £10 from Newry Visitor Information Centre..

Saturday 30 September

Hill Street Hooley!

Newry’s bustling Hill Street will be a hive of activity with music, dance, street art, wacky races, pop-up theatre and more thanks to the BOSCO School of Dance, SRC and local school children from 2pm until 5.30pm. Everyone welcome!

Sugar Fairy Sugar Island Tour

Starting at Newry Town Hall, take a tour of Newry’s busy bakeries and cafés to learn the history of Newry’s tastiest trade and sample delights on your way from 12 noon until 3pm. Booking is essential from the Creative Shop on Hill Street.

History of Newry Tent

From 10pm until 5pm and featuring interactive displays and historical activities, this is one fun and engaging way to delve deep into Newry’s famous past.

Trade Secrets

A series of special, interactive events which take place at locations including the Quays Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Shopping Centre and Newry Library from 10am until 5pm, they will provide a unique insight into Newry’s shops and businesses through ‘creative boxes’ that will fire your imagination.

Merchant Quest

Join an interactive game led by actors, traders and volunteers to unlock the city’s secrets. For teams of between four and eight people which must contain one adult, these special adventure starts at the Creative Shop on Hill Street and run from 10am until 5pm with a price of only £10. Advance booking at www.newry.com is essential.

Cake Decorating Workshop

Linda McCann provides a very special step-by-step guide on the art of cake decorating at Bagenal’s Castle from 10am until 4pm. For £10 which includes a light lunch, booking is essential by calling 028 3031 3178 or emailing Declan.Carroll@nmanddd.org .

Street Food

From 5pm until 9pm alongside Newry quays, sample the best in local food and drink.

Gospel

Join visitors from across the city and beyond to a unique listening experience at the steps of Newry Cathedral at 5.15pm.

Speculator Fireworks Display

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Events

‘Creative Shop’

Call in to the ‘Big Telly’ creative shop at 52 Hill Street throughout the festival for details of all activities.

Newry Canal Cruises & Tours

Sail down Carlingford Lough on the Brienne or Soteria or take a tour of the beautiful La Malouine Tall Ship from 12 noon until 8pm.

Dazzling Light Projections

Key buildings across Newry will be lit up with images of the city’s famous past from 6.30pm until late. Photos can also be submitted for consideration.

McCanns Bake Off and Victorian Bakery Tour

View the display of cakes and help decide the winner from 3pm at Bagenal’s Castle on Sunday 01 October.

Newry’s first City of Merchants festival will have the best fireworks the city has ever seen. from 8.30pm at Albert Basin. A special floating pontoon will be in place to ensure you enjoy the best view around.

For more details on City of Merchants, events and booking information, log on to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/CityofMerchants or visit www.facebook.com/VisitMourneMountains and www.twitter.com/VisitMourne. Follow #CityofMerchants on Twitter for more details