Newcastle Prepares For Hallowtides Festivities

Newcastle is getting ready for its annual Halloween festivities as it welcomes three days of family packed activities from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November 2014. This year the theme is Nightmare on Main Street and be aware as you walk through the streets of Newcastle as you never know where Freddie Krueger is lurking about.

[caption id="attachment_52428" align="alignleft" width="390"]Down District Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker with some ghoulish characters in Newcastle who can't wait to get into teh spirit of Hallowtides. Down District Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker with some ghoulish characters in Newcastle who can’t wait to get into the spirit of Hallowtides.[/caption]

Down District Council Chairman Cllr William Walker said: “Hallowtides in Newcastle has become a major attraction throughout the district and further afield and this year we are delighted to build on the festival by providing more free activities than ever before.”

This year the popular Haunted House will be a FREE attraction and will operate over the three days. Take a trip up Main Street at night and be amazed as the Newcastle Centre is illuminated to represent a Haunted House. It is expected this added attraction will book up fast so to avoid disappointment book your spot early by contacting the Newcastle Visitor Centre on 028 4372 2222.

The ever popular fancy dress competition will be taking place from 3.30pm on Friday 31 October at the Newcastle Centre. There are three categories this year; Junior, Group and Overall. Great Prizes to be won so get there early.

The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has been busy getting ready to host the spooktacular float parade and is delighted to announce that with support from Down District Council they are able to enhance this year’s parade which will be departing from The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa at 6.30pm. Furthermore, they will be hosting a range of competitions over Hallowtides from treasure hunts to pumpkin carving and much more. Check out Down Festivals facebook page for all the great competitions.

CoolFM’s popular presenter Gareth Stewart will be entertaining the crowds with great music, giveaways from the festival stage on Central Promenade.

For the first time this year the spectacular fireworks display will happen on Halloween night get ready to be dazzled as the display will be bigger and better than ever before.

For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival Programme please contact Newcastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 4372 2222 or full event listings online at:

www.visitmournemountains.co.uk

www.downdc.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/DownFestivals

[caption id="attachment_52434" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Behind you Billy! Down District Chairman Councillor Billy Walker chances a forest walk as Hallowtides approaches.   Behind you Billy! Down District Chairman Councillor Billy Walker chances a forest walk as Hallowtides approaches.[/caption]]]>