Buttercrane all fired up for Newry Torch arrival

11 June 2012 - 11 June 2012

The eyes of the world were on Newry on Tuesday 5th June as the Official London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay arrived in Newry - and Buttercrane Centre got all fired up to celebrate this historic event. On Saturday 2nd June, ahead of the big occasion, Buttercrane Centre hosted a series of special fun sporting activities for all the family and issued 5000 free celebration flags to shoppers. There also was a feast of fast-moving fun and entertainment including children’s sumo, gladiator duels, penalty shoot-outs, basketball exhibitions by the Newry Fliers and the much-anticipated yummy mummy dash. Jpeg: 8300 In an Olympic Spin at Buttercrane Pictured at Buttercrane Centre celebrating the Newry Olympic Torch arrival festivities was local model Niamh Cunningham. Customers enjoyed free games and entertainment galore in the specially decorated Buttercrane mall including Giant Connect 4 and Giant Jenga as well as an exciting musical backdrop which got shoppers in a celebratory mood. There was rousing African drumming from St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen and the bright, stirring tones of the Camlough Brass and Reed Band caught the mood of the moment. Peter Murray, Buttercrane Centre Manager said: “The Olympic flame has certainly shone a light on Newry - it was a truly momentous occasion for our area and it was great to see everyone coming out to welcome the relay and experience the festivities. Buttercrane helped to get shoppers in an Olympic mood ahead of the relay by hosting some special and quirky sporting activities in the centre on Saturday 2nd June. It was a good opportunity for those of us who aren’t making our way to compete professionally in London to show what a good sport we all are! It was a fun, competitive atmosphere to get us all in the spirit of the games and plenty of shoppers collected their free Buttercrane hand-waving flag to take home as well.” Buttercrane Centre also offered free parking on Tuesday 5th June 2012 to anyone attending the Esler Park concert.