Royal Visit Celebrates Creativity, Heritage and Community in Newtownards

On day three of their visit to Northern Ireland, Their Majesties The King and Queen visited Ards and North Down.

The visit began at Conway Square, Newtownards. A focal point of this thriving market town, the square is flanked by independent retailers, coffee shops and eateries and is home to the historic Ards Arts Centre, originally constructed in 1770.

Their Majesties were received on arrival by the Lord-Lieutenant of County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, together with the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, Chief Executive Susie McCullough and Strangford MP Jim Shannon.

During their visit, The King and Queen met a selection of traders, creative artists and artisan producers who were showcasing their locally inspired work.

Representing the town's long-established trading community, Their Majesties met Michael Cafolla, Vice President of Newtownards Chamber of Trade and owner of Cafolla's Ice Cream, a family-run business celebrating 100 years in Newtownards. They also met Clive O'Neill, owner of Clive's Country Corner who has served the community from the square for over 40 years.

Their Majesties also engaged with the President of the Newtownards Chamber of Trade, Derek Wright, and learned more about the town's strong heritage of independent retail and family-run businesses.

As part of the programme, The Queen met local schoolchildren from St Finian's and Newtownards Model primary schools at the Paddington Bear statue, spoke with Blair Mayne Bursary Award recipients, and met Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan.

The visit also included a series of engagements with local artisans and producers, a live music performance by Junior Afrifa, and craft demonstrations highlighting the rich creative talent within the Borough.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"It has been a hugely exciting day for the people of Newtownards. This visit has shone a spotlight on the very best of our Borough - from our thriving town centre and independent traders to the exceptional creativity of our local makers.

"We were delighted to welcome Their Majesties to Conway Square and to showcase the people and businesses who make this such a vibrant and special place."

Local trader and Chamber Vice President Michael Cafolla said:

"It was a tremendous honour to meet The King on such a special occasion for our town. He took the time to speak with me about our business and its long history in Newtownards, which meant a great deal to our family. It is a day we will never forget."

Creative maker Rosemary McCartney of Simply Spun said:

"It was an incredible and truly memorable experience to demonstrate traditional spinning and weaving to Their Majesties. To be part of such a special visit, celebrating local creativity and heritage, is a real honour and a proud moment for everyone involved in the Creative Peninsula."

Pictures of the visit can be found on the Ards and North Down Borough Council Facebook Page