New Killyleagh body has plans for festivals

New Killyleagh body has plans for festivals

5 April 2017

THE Killyleagh Community Association has outlined plans to seek funding to finance several festivals over the coming months.

The group, which was formally launched a number of weeks ago, is also organising a number of fundraising events to raise money to help it fulfil its objective of helping raise the profile of the town.

Mark Hasley, who was the unanimous choice as the new group’s chairman, said plans are being drawn up for a summer festival and the community group is also keen to organise Halloween celebrations and improved festive lighting programme.

“We are delighted to announce we will be undertaking three major community projects this year. We have submitted bids for funds and are keen to organise a summer festival, which will involve sports activities, games, evening entertainment and much more,” he explained.

Mr Hasley said the summer festival will be held on August 19, with an application for funding to help run the event has already been submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Live Here/Love Here scheme. 

“In addition to the funding bid, we are also undertaking a major fundraising effort to ensure the festival can go ahead. We are organising raffles and quiz nights and have placed charity boxes in local shops and would invite anyone who is willing to assist with fundraising or to donate to please do so to help ensure the festival is as successful as possible,” said the chairman.

Raffle prizes on offer include a trip to the Eddie Irvine School of Racing in Bangor, gift vouchers for the Eclipse Cinema and Funky Monkeys in Downpatrick and a £50 voucher for Seymour Dugan. Darren Leahy has also donated two signed paintings for the raffle.

“We are also submitting bids to secure money for a Halloween festival and are hoping we will be able to light a beacon as part of the planned events including a fun night for children,” Mark explained.

While it’s only April, the community group is also looking ahead to Christmas. Community group officials say Killyleagh deserves “high quality decorations” to enhance the town’s charm and beauty, especially at this time of year.

Mr Hasley said while there was no Christmas tree last year, they hope there will be one at the top of the town this December. He said one suggestion would be to provide a permanent tree at this location which would only require decoration at this time of year.

“We want to enhance Killyleagh and are looking to local people to support us. We cannot emphasis enough how important it is that we have residents behind us, supporting what we want to achieve for the town. We will not be able to achieve our important goals without the help of the good people of Killyleagh,” he said.

Mr Hasley said the community group is keen to repeat the success of similar organisations in the   Crossgar, Ballynahinch and Saintfield areas which were able to secure funding to help organise community events and festivals.

He added: “We hope our funding applications will be successful and the people of Killyleagh will fully support our aims and objectives. It is important we all continue to pull in the same direction.

“I believe it is important to organise events like summer and Halloween festivals and to have a focus in the town at Christmas. December may be a long way off, but it is important we start planning now. 

“The group is committed to achieving success for Killyleagh, its residents and business community. We would also welcome any support from the community of sponsorship offers from local businesses.”