The city has retained its purple flag status, an international recognition of excellence in evening and night time economy for another year. The project was laid by Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and was supported by a steering group which was represented by Newry City Centre Management, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Police Service Northern Ireland, Night Time Economy providers, business communities and interested parties. And to mark the achievement Newry will turn purple during the month of October when it is hoped that nighttime providers will join in on the fun and help make an impressive splash of colour. The month will also be chock-a-block with major events happening across the city to showcase the diverse range of events to attract visitors from across the Newry area. These include Oktoberfest Newry between October 22 and October 25; a celebration of all things German and featuring live music each night, traditional Oompah, Bavarian dancers, German food and beer fun and frolics; the Scary Newry Halloween Festival between October 16 and November 1with award winning best tourism provider Scary Tours Newry hosting children’s ghost walks, psychic ghost walks, ghost hunts and Newry City Halloween celebrations including an open air concert, fancy dress competition, ghosts ghouls and witches on street performers, pumpkin carving, Halloween photo booth, face painting and electrifying fireworks extravaganza. Speaking about the attention of the status Chairperson Naomi Baille said, “It represents a huge achievement for the nighttime economy to achieve this mid-term re-accreditation. It makes and important statement about the offering available in our city and demonstrates the partnership ethos to ensure that people visiting our city centre have a great time as well as a safe and well as a safe and welcoming experience. Purple Flag is a marketing brand to drive economic growth, create investment and improve standards. This was clearly evident at the recently attended Newry Greater Area Business Awards where local business achieved recognition for exceptionally high standards and ambition which is synonymous with this region.
Newry Democrat
October 13th 2015
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