The life and achievements of NI-born inventor and engineer, Harry Ferguson, is celebrated in Newcastle’s six-day Festival of Flight. As well as inventing the tractor, Ferguson was the first man in Ireland to fly - a feat he achieved exactly 100 years ago.

To mark this centenary, the Festival will be taking over the Co. Down seaside town from Mon 2 - Sun 8 Aug with a packed programme of family-friendly events and entertainment. Treat the love of your life to a candlelit supper with performance by local singing star Peter Corry (Fri 6 Aug, £35). And, thoughout the event, kids can enjoy competitions, face painting, balloon modelling, model aircraft and a ride on the town’s renowned flotilla of Swan Pedalos.

On Sat 7 Aug, Frank Mitchell hosts the U105 Radio Roadshow (13:00 - 16:00). Then it’s eyes to the skies for a fantastic Red Arrows aeronautical display (16:00 - 17:00). Festival-goers can also get airbound with an Aero-Heli flight over the Mourne Mountains for a mere £35 per seat (12:00 - 15:45, Slieve Donard Resort Helipad). And Peter Corry returns for the free Open Air Concert featuring hits from West End musicals (18:30 - 20:00).

Fans of flight can gain an insight into NI’s proud aviation history with a talk by local expert Ernie Cromie (14:00 - 15:00, Newcastle Centre). And, the following afternoon, a screening of ‘The Man Who Could Fly’ - a documentary on Ferguson’s achievement - will include a talk with the director (14:00 - 15:30, Newcastle Centre).

Throughout the Festival, the town’s pubs, clubs and restaurants will be running special nights, so keep an eye out for Matchmakers Dance, Traditional Folk Music, Double DJs and Live Band & BBQ to keep the party going into the wee small hours.

The action culminates on Sun 8 Aug with the Pageant of Flight Carnival Float Parade from the Slieve Donard Resort and along the promenade (15:30 - 17:30).

Ample Free Parking will be provided at various locations close to Newcastle. And a Free Park and Ride will operate from the Castlewellan Rd (off Church Hill Rd). So take advantage, and pick up the signs on the approach to Newcastle. For your free festival programme and to book tickets to all events, contact the Festival Office on (+44) (0)28 4372 2222 or check out www.downdc.gov.uk and www.facebook.com/comeondown.com.