Festival of Flight grounded

Festival of Flight grounded

16 February 2022

DESPITE the decision to end all remaining Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed that this summer’s international Festival of Flight in Newcastle will not go ahead.

Confirmation that the flagship tourist event — which regularly features the Red Arrows aerobatic display team — won’t proceed came at Monday night’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

The local authority decision came just hours after Stormont health minister Robin Swann ended all coronavirus restrictions, but he has urged the public to remain cautious, insisting that his decision did not mean that the virus has gone away or that people are safe from its harm.

Mr Swann said it’s vitally important that people continue to observe the sensible measures they have learnt to protect themselves and others, confirming that it is important to retain the ability to reintroduce restrictions again in case of urgent need.

The last Festival of Flight in Newcastle was held in 2019, just months before the deadly coronavirus started spreading across the globe. 

Regularly attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the resort and significantly boosting the local economy, there will be disappointment that despite the easing of Covid restrictions, the international event won’t proceed.

Council officials say that due to the challenges in planning such a major festival, securing commitments from participants and with the uncertainty caused to date by the pandemic, organising this year’s event would not be possible.

Mournes councillor, Willie Clarke, said while he is disappointed that the festival cannot proceed, he is urging the local authority to grasp the opportunity to provide an alternative event.

He said the positive impact of the organisation’s tourism events programme provides support for local businesses, helps sustain jobs and creates an economic return across the district.

“It will not be possible to host the Festival of Flight in Newcastle this year and although this will be disappointing to regular visitors to the air show, I believe that an opportunity now exists to host a new large-scale festival in the resort this summer that incorporates and builds on the most popular elements of the festival,” Cllr Clarke suggested.

He is keen to see an event showcasing what he described as the region’s “outstanding food and drink” offering with Newcastle a designated venue for arts, culture and music events to create opportunities showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering innovation of the district. 

Cllr Clarke plans to meet with senior local authority officers to explore various themes of the festival he is suggesting as businesses in Newcastle prepare for a busy spring and summer now that all remaining Covid restrictions have been lifted.

He believes there is particular scope to improve the narrative around St Donard, explaining that on the summit of Slieve Donard are the remains of two prehistoric burial cairns.

“One is the remains of the highest known passage tomb in Ireland and in Irish mythology the mountain was associated with and named after the mythical figures Boirche and Slángha,” Cllr Clarke explained.

“It was later associated with and named after Saint Donard, who was said to have made the summit his hermitage. A summer festival could focus on this heritage which can be linked with the increase in walking in the Mournes.”

Cllr Clarke believes there should also be a nautical aspect of a new summer festival, celebrating the rich maritime history of the area.

He added: “There is potential to build on the resort’s outdoor water sports or perhaps launch a regional dish competition, opportunities which present the chance to showcase everything is good about Newcastle for visitors and locals alike.”