If you’re seeking to shock the kids while educating them about the history of Newry’s Sir Nicholas Bagenal and other spooky goings on, then you’re in for a treat at The Quays Haunted Wood, developed over six weeks by Mags McAlpin of Creating Retail Magic.
The fully immersive Haunted Wood at Newry’s premier shopping centre offers a deathly welcome to anyone who dares to enter and speaking about the inspiration for her Shocktober Exhibition at The Quays in Newry, Mags said: “I love creating Hallowe’en exhibitions and displays as they allow me permission to let my creative juices run wild and free. There’s no boundaries when it comes to the darkness or the horror but with family activities like this Haunted Wood it gives me an opportunity to keep it fun and scary without being too frightening for the little wizards and witches who might be taken along to experience the forest by their parents.”
The Haunted Wood is inspired by Sir Nicholas Bagenal, a Marshall in the Army who made his home in Newry and died in Newry Castle at the end of the 16th century. Mags added: “When I’m commissioned to undertake a project I like to research and explore how to make the project belong to the audience intended for its enjoyment. I thought that Sir Nicholas Bagnall would be the perfect spooky subject for one of the scenes in Haunted Wood.”
As well as the visual element, visitors can also enjoy storytelling this weekend by the ‘real’ Witch of the Quays and some of Mags unique writings also adorn the walls. She said: “I put pen to paper and I’ve created some poetry for Haunted Wood visitors to enjoy as they walk along the trail.”
Shocktober’s Haunted Wood is on display at The Quays Newry until Hallowe’en. For more information on projects developed by Mags McAlpin, please visit: www.creatingretailmagic.com, www.facebook.com/retailmagicni/ and www.instagram.com/retailmagicni.
