‘A Journey in Time’ for Newport
NEWPORT will turn back the clock 300 years at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, to meet Captain Pratt on Medlicott Street, where he is about to set up his new town, ‘Newport’.
Pratt has invited a Quaker community to help build his dream.
The Quakers stayed in Newport for 20 years but departed for Roscommon when Newport did not meet the needs of their community.
The audience can look forward to seeing Quakers weaving, dying and corn grinding on Medlicott Street on the day.
The action will then cross the viaduct bridge where Captain Pratt and his friend Brian Rua O Cearabhainn (a visionary) will encounter a sea ccaptain and his army of red coats.
This motley crew will deliver a rousing rendition of a specially composed sea shanty, ‘We’re Bound for Newport Town - HEY’, as the Cathach - Ireland's oldest manuscript - is carried in procession to the gates of Newport House.
Sir Neal O’Donnell will receive the Cathach on behalf of the town and deliver his acceptance speech.
The final scene will take place at the top of Main Street and the audience will experience what a typical day was like for local businessman and entrepreneur Martin Carey.
Martin was a very successful and generous businessman who dominated life in Newport during the 1900s.
The audience can look forward to savouring the sights, sounds and even the smells of business in Newport at that time.
This scene will conclude with the wedding of Patrick Walsh to Bridget Smith, two of Martin Carey’s staff, to ensure the succession of his business.
The wedding will spill out onto the street where all present can enjoy the wedding party - a typical Irish ceili!
The re-enactment has a cast of over 70 people ranging in age from seven to 70 and beyond. There are many local faces involved but will the audience be able to identify them?
Possibly not as the characters will all be dressed in period costumes designed and created by the wonderful Manuel Santiago and his partner Johanna Holmstedt.
Sunday, May 1, will be a day of days, a true spectacle on the streets of Newport not to be missed.
Following the re-enactment, Enda Kenny will launch Newport 300 - The First 200 Years (1720 -1920) at 5 p.m. in Hotel Newport. This book has been a labour of love by the historical committee led by Peter Mullowney.
It is a beautiful 400-page, hard backed account of life in Newport over the past 200 years.
Copies of the book, which will undoubtedly be a sell-out, will be available to purchase on the day. The book will be a keepsake for future generations of this beautiful town.
Newport invites everyone to dress up in old treasures from the wardrobe and come and be part of Newport’s exciting Journey in Time.