Council To Celebrate Good Relations Work Within the District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will host a Celebration of Good Relations Event on Thursday 16 October at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry at 7pm. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase the creativity and dedication of local community and voluntary groups who are recipients of Good Relations funding via Council and undertake work to promote good relations across the district. 

A programme of other key events will run across the district from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 October 2025 as part of a region-wide programme co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office under the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

The celebration event will act as a platform to highlight the transformative power of people and communities working together to address key good relations challenges such as sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty, and education in our district. The evening will bring together a range of local community and voluntary sector groups along with key funders and policy makers to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in the delivery of good relations work. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor, Philip Campbell said, “This Celebration of Good Relations is a fantastic chance to highlight the ongoing positive work in our district and recognise the groups and individuals who dedicate themselves to bringing people together,' he said. Our Council is passionate about celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and building a brighter shared future. It's inspiring to see the energy of so many local groups highlighting this year-round work. By joining discussions and events throughout Good Relations Week, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, we can all contribute to the positive change our society requires.”

Peter Osborne, Chair of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation, will deliver the keynote speech at the event. Peter has been involved in a number of key civil and peace building developments in Northern Ireland at a strategic leadership level in both policy and decision-making roles.  

Alongside the panel discussion, attendees will enjoy performances from the Kirknarra School of Dance and St. Joseph’s Pipe Band, Glasdrumman who deliver good relations work within the community through Councils Good Relations Financial Assistance. The performances will showcase and celebrate the diverse culture and creativity of local communities and demonstrate how arts and culture can play a powerful role in connecting people and breaking down cultural divisions within the district.

Event attendees also have an opportunity to meet directly with funding representatives to discuss potential support for community projects and initiatives. Funders in attendance include The Executive Office, Community Relations Council, The National Lottery Community Fund and the NMDDC Grants and Funding Team.

The Celebration of Good Relations Event is open to local community groups, schools, cultural groups, residents and anyone interested in strengthening connections across the district. The event will celebrate the incredible achievements that have been made in Good Relations work across our district and aims to encourage and inspire more groups to continue this positive work across Newry, Mourne and Down.

For more information and to book your free place online for the Celebration of Good Relations event please visit: www.newrymournedown.org/good-relations-programme

Celebration of Good Relations Event Details

Date: Thursday 16 October
Time: 7pm (registration from 6.30pm) light refreshments served 
Venue: Miller Suite, Canal Court Hotel, Newry
Entry: Free of charge
Booking: Book tickets via the EventBrite link to reserve your place 

For any additional information, please call the Good Relations Team on 0330 137 4854.