Red Bull Racing bringing Formula 1 car to City of Merchants Festival

17 October 2018

A TOP Formula 1 racing team is coming to Newry as part of the forthcoming City of Merchants Festival.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will be bringing one of its famous F1 cars to Marcus Square on Sunday, November 4, between 2pm and 4pm.

The eagerly awaited visit has been organised by Newry, Mourne and Down Council in conjunction with First Derivatives and Newry Business Improvement District.

Council chairman Mark Murnin said: “This is a great high-octane addition to an already action-packed City of Merchants weekend.

“Unleashing the spectacle of F1 for fans across the district is fantastic, and we are thrilled that Newry is one of its pit stop destinations during its travels around Northern Ireland.

Louise Cunningham, Vice-President of Marketing at First Derivatives said: “We are delighted to welcome Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to our hometown of Newry.

Over the last year, we have been building upon our partnership and supporting the team with data analysis for off track projects helping the development of its 2019 cars. Whether you love F1 or not, to see the car up close is a fantastic opportunity.”

Newry BID manager Eamonn Connolly commented: “Newry BID is delighted to continue our partnership with First Derivatives; in this instance, with the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team.

“The event epitomises First Derivatives’ cutting edge technology and commitment to Newry. We very much look forward to a family friendly event to remember, in the heart of Newry city.”

The City of Merchants Festival will take place from Friday, November 2, through to Sunday, November 4, and will see a whole host of activities take place to celebrate the area’s maritime and trading heritage.

Activities on Friday include a walking tour and banquet at Bagenal’s Castle, a twilight market from 5pm to 10pm in Hill Street; free children’s art and craft workshops at the market and a sensational parade to the Fathom Line at 7.15pm ending with a magnificent fireworks display from 8pm.

On Saturday visitors can enjoy the tall ships from 12noon to 4pm, a theatrical Merchant Quest through the streets of Newry created by theatre company, Big Telly and interactive horse and trap tours. Those coming to the festival can also enjoy a day at the museum with a guided tour of Bagenal’s Castle and there will be a comical look at trade through the years taking place in and around the city.

This year will also see the inaugural Scenic Carlingford Ferry Loop Sportive in which hundreds of keen cyclists will take on a 62km route around the shores of Carlingford Lough. More details on this event can be found at www.loopsportive.com

For more information on the overall City of Merchants Festival programme and for details on how to book tickets for the events please visit www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giant-adventures.

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