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NI Water Announces Winners of Silent Valley Christmas Colouring Competition

06 January 2026 16:00
All Childrens PS Newcastle Winner Tara
Tara from All Children’s Primary School, Newcastle

NI Water is delighted to announce the winners of its special Silent Valley Christmas colouring competition, a festive initiative designed to spread Christmas cheer and highlight the peace and tranquillity of the renowned Silent Valley Reservoir Park.

The competition saw an enthusiastic response from school-age children across the region, with fifteen talented pupils in total selected as the standout winners for their vibrant and imaginative interpretations of this year’s festive scene, including:

  • Zach from Annalong Primary School
  • Oisin from Holy Cross Primary School, Attical
  • Hallie from Christ the King Primary School, Ballynahinch
  • Conor from St Patrick’s Primary School, Castlewellan
  • Caitlin from St Malachy’s Primary School, Castlewellan
  • Grainne from St Malachy’s Primary School, Kilcoo
  • Daniel from St Patrick’s Primary School, Hilltown
  • Max from Central Primary School, Lisburn
  • Adam from Mullaglass Primary School, Newry
  • Lily from St Patrick’s Primary School, Legamaddy
  • Tara from All Children’s Primary School, Newcastle
  • Oran from St Michael’s Primary School, Newtownhamilton
  • Rose from Omagh
  • Aimee from St Patrick’s Primary School, Drumgreenagh, Rathfriland
  • Ben from Dromore Road Primary School, Warrenpoint

 

Entrants were invited to colour a specially designed scene featuring Santa and his reindeers soaring above the Silent Valley reservoir, capturing the magic of Christmas and the beauty of this iconic local landscape. The overall winners were rewarded with special Silent Valley passes, granting them and their families free access to the park throughout 2026, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the park’s serene surroundings and natural wonders whenever they wish.

Anna Killen, NI Water’s Education Officer, said: “NI Water extends heartfelt congratulations to all the competition winner and thanks every student who took part. We were thrilled with the overwhelming response from local schools and the incredible creativity shown by all participants. Selecting just 15 winners from so many outstanding entries was no easy task! We’re looking forward to welcoming our winners and their families back to experience the park’s unique beauty in 2026.”

Nestled within the Mourne Mountains near Kilkeel, County Down, Silent Valley Reservoir Park is celebrated for its striking natural scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and rich biodiversity. The reservoir itself plays a vital role in supplying fresh water to homes and businesses, making it both an essential resource and a cherished visitor attraction.

Silent Valley offers a range of amenities for families and visitors of all ages, including scenic walking trails, picnic areas, a welcoming visitor centre, and a café. The park is especially popular with nature lovers, walkers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape amidst the beauty of the Mournes.

 

Ends 

 

Oran from St Michael’s Primary School, Newtownhamilton
Zach from Annalong Primary School
Rose from Omagh
Conor from St Patrick’s Primary School, Castlewellan
Lily from St Patrick’s Primary School, Legamaddy
Caitlin from St Malachy’s Primary School, Castlewellan
Adam from Mullaglass Primary School, Newry
Ben from Dromore Road Primary School, Warrenpoint
Aimee from St Patrick’s Primary School, Drumgreenagh, Rathfriland

 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com

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