A Vibrant Weekend of Eats & Beats Set to Return to Newcastle

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce the return of the popular Eats & Beats Festival to Newcastle on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains in Donard Park, the much-loved two-day festival will once again bring together the very best in live music, artisan food and family entertainment, promising a vibrant and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

This year’s event is set to be bigger and more ambitious than ever before, with two live performance stages featuring more than 24 regional and national music acts across the weekend. Festival audiences can look forward to performances from headline acts including, D:Ream, Anna’s Number and When Ireland Rocked, featuring legendary Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell, alongside an exciting line-up of emerging local talent and crowd favourites.

Food lovers will also be spoiled for choice, with more than 24 food vendors and 18 regional food producers showcasing the very best of local flavours and produce. A packed programme of live cookery demonstrations hosted by renowned chef Paul Cunningham, with guest appearances from celebrated chefs Jenny Bristow and Suzie Lee across 10 live cooking sessions, will offer plenty of culinary inspiration. Adding to the family-friendly atmosphere will be the Curious Minds and Kid’s Zone experiences, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Since its launch four years ago, Eats & Beats has grown into one of the standout events in the district’s festival calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to Newcastle each year and delivering a significant boost to the local hospitality and tourism economy. Talking about the return of Eats & Beats to Newcastle, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Eats & Beats has become a key highlight in our annual programme and we are excited to welcome residents and visitors back to Newcastle for another fantastic weekend. The festival showcases the very best of our local food, music and hospitality offering while creating a fun, inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy”.

To support the continued success of the festival and enhance the overall visitor experience, a small admission fee will be introduced this year. This will help ensure the event can be delivered safely, maintain its high-quality programme, and continue to grow in the years ahead. 

A daily charge of £5 will apply, with children aged 0-4 admitted free. Family ticket options will also be available, offering added value for those attending together.

The introduction of ticketing will also support capacity management across the weekend, helping to create a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Tickets will be available to purchase from Thursday 11 June at 10am via the Council’s Box Office at www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats.