Summer Showcase and Care Home Concerts Celebrate Local Arts

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has wrapped up a vibrant celebration of arts and culture following a successful three-night Summer Showcase at Newry Town Hall and a heartwarming community concert at Avila Nursing Home, Bessbrook.

From 19–21 June, audiences were treated to a diverse and inspiring programme in one of Newry’s most iconic venues. The showcase opened with a stunning performance of ‘The Juliet Letters’, by Newry Chamber Music, featuring the charismatic Duke Special and The Fews Ensemble, delivering a haunting and theatrical song cycle that left audiences mesmerised.

The Friday evening saw the stage come alive with energy and creativity in Newry Dance Theatre Arts’ uplifting end-of-year production, ‘Lights, Camera, Dance!’, while Saturday night closed the programme with raucous laughter and Northern Irish humour, thanks to Newry Youth Performing Arts’ production of ‘Stop It, Nurse!’ – a Sam Cree classic performed with flair by a talented young local cast.

Speaking after the showcase, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “This Summer Showcase celebrated the extraordinary breadth of local talent we have in our district. From professional musicians to young performers, it was wonderful to see our community come together to enjoy three nights of outstanding entertainment in a historic and welcoming venue.”

The concert at Avila Nursing Home on Monday 30 June marked the final event in Newry Chamber Music’s 2024–2025 community outreach concert series, supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. This initiative brought live professional music to hundreds of care home residents in the comfort of their own surroundings.

Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, “Events such as the performances at Newry Town Hall and Newry Chamber Music’s community outreach work highlight the power of the arts to connect generations, lift spirits and reduce isolation. The Council remains committed to ensuring all residents have the chance to experience the joy and value of live performance.”

The performance featured renowned musicians, Joanne Quigley McParland, Danny O’Neill and soprano, Fiona Flynn, alongside gifted young singers from Flynn Performing Arts, who delivered a heartfelt programme of traditional Irish folk songs. The intergenerational format, with children performing for older residents, created a deeply moving experience for all involved.

Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music, commented, “This is a truly special and unique concert, central to Newry Chamber Music’s mission to ensure all members of our community can experience the highest quality live music. For many care home residents, this may be their only opportunity to hear live performance. The familiar songs and voices of young people often stir powerful memories, creating joy, calm and connection. We’re grateful for the support from the Arts Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council and hope this important work can continue to grow.”

Liam Hannaway, Chairperson of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented, “Over the past few years Newry Chamber Music have provided a wonderful service for the older members of our community, While on the face of it they bring international musicians into every rural community in South Down and Armagh, their concerts have much wider and deeper benefits. I have witnessed the joy and exhilaration experienced by the attendees whether in community centres or nursing homes where the music brings back memories, engages the audiences and lifts the hearts of all present. No sooner are they over than residents, families and workers are looking to programme the next concert.”

With the Council’s support, Newry Chamber Music also delivered performances of Howard Blake’s, The Snowman to 10 local schools in December 2024, reaching over 2,000 children. These events collectively demonstrate the lasting impact of music and arts on community wellbeing, particularly for young people and older generations alike.