Newry arts festival dances to a new beat with baby boogie

Organisers of the Newry arts festival have promised to take the arts to the people with events in unusual locations throughout the city.

From comedy to classical music and history brought to life, audiences will have a wealth of choice.

There was even something for the youngest among us.

On Thursday morning, the Imaginarium community centre in the city was packed with infants shaking out their best moves alongside their parents.

It was a "baby boogie", soundtracked by dance classics and described as "a highly imaginative sensory session".

Grainne Powell, who runs Sticky Fingers Arts at the centre, said the arts are "essential in all aspects of society - especially for children and families".

"It is so important that young people and children are given the opportunity to learn how to explore, investigate and play," she added.

"And if we give them more opportunities we can eliminate a lot of the other problems.

"So we need more play and more opportunities like this festival to create a sense of well being for the whole community."

Grainne Powell, who runs Sticky Fingers Arts, said the arts was essential for children and families

Among those in attendance were Jennifer Largey and her son Fintan from Cullyhanna in County Armagh.

"We google searched things to do with kids and this was one of the first things that popped up," she said.

"There is a shortage of things to do for children, unless you really search and delve deep you aren't going to get many options.

"He's an only child so for his development I like to see him interacting with other kids.

"There is only so much you can get from a creche and it is so lovely seeing him interacting, playing and enjoying it."

'Tunes were brilliant'

Sharon Boyle and baby daughter Éada had travelled from Dundalk in County Louth for the event.

Sharon says more events like this for young children would be most welcome.

"It's only when you get talking to other mothers - they share information," she added.

"But it often isn't that easy to find out about events until you are in groups.

Jennifer Largey and her son Fintan enjoyed the baby disco

"I heard about this through a friend of my sister and we are so glad we came.

"It's really beautiful with the lights and colours - and she is just mesmerised by it all.

"The tunes were brilliant - proper 80s pop.

"That's what we do in the kitchen to occupy ourselves, get the radio on and dance away."

A performance of the trial of John Mitchel in Newry Courthouse on Saturday will be among the festival's most striking sights.

This show will see the audience take on the role of jury, while the republican figurehead is defended by Pádraig Pearse and Daniel O'Connell takes on the role of witness for the prosecution.

Events are taking place across Newry until 7 April in various venues, including the town hall and Newry and Mourne Museum.

There is also the opportunity learn new skills with workshops ranging from modern macrame to paint pouring.

Abby McSherry said the festival gets the arts to where people area and where they feel comfortable

According to festival events officer Abby McSherry, the idea of the festival is to bring the arts to people who wouldn't necessarily go to a traditional venue.

"It gets the arts out to where people are," she said.

"We have arts in the theatre and galleries, but this gets out in to the coffee shops, pubs and onto the streets with theatre, art and workshops.

"So it's really getting the arts where people are and where they feel comfortable."