Newry Arts Festival Returns Bigger and Better in 2024

Newry Arts Festival, now in its third year, specialises in bringing an array of renowned acts, original work and innovating talks to the city of Newry.  

This year’s festival will run over Easter week between 1-7 April, offering a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity through a programme of exhibitions, comedy, music and drama in a range of quirky and unusual venues.

From captivating street art to soul-stirring classical music, and from thought-provoking drama to side-splitting comedy, the festival showcases the diverse talents and beauty of the region.  Comedians Colin Murphy, Damo Clark and Johnny Bow will surely have us all laughing in the aisles and a partnership with Northern Ireland Screen will please the film buffs. 

Drama lovers can enjoy a range of productions including the ‘Trial of John Mitchel’ in Newry Court House, the smash hit, ‘I am Maura’, by the Commedia of Errors Theatre Company and Aoibh Johnson’s poignant ode to Ireland’s hidden past, ‘The Daughters of Roisin’.

Music lovers can look forward to performances including a whirlwind journey through the 50s and 60s at the nostalgic ‘Rock and Roll years’ show, a blend of lush harmonies and nature-inspired lyrics from contemporary band, the New Leaves, and for the classical aficionados, concert pianist, David Quigley and renowned tenor, Anthony Kearns, will present a beautiful concert of Irish and light classical music. There will also be a chance to experience the joy of singing and making music at workshops teaching varied traditional styles such as the ancient Sean Nós singing and folk songs from Down and Armagh.

For family fun, join the Sticky Fingers team at the Imaginarium Centre for a Baby Boogie - a highly imaginative sensory session. More sensory thrills can be had out on the streets with Paris Bubbles and his fantastic bubble show, and pavement artist, Mark Cronin will create 3D work you will almost fall into. There will be a number of opportunities to catch international, outdoor street theatre show, Out of the Deep by Autin Dance Theatre, which explores the magical story about the power of empathy.  This is highly acclaimed show featuring dance, theatre and a 13-foot-tall puppet operated by five world class puppeteers and a contemporary dancer. 

There will also be plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty and learn new skills with workshops ranging from modern Macrame to paint pouring and graffiti.  There will even be a chance to try out some of the skills of our ancestors, such as flint knapping, pottery, and cord making.

Events will take place across Newry City in venues as varied as Newry Town Hall, Newry and Mourne Museum, Finegan & Son, The Imaginarium Arts and Story Centre and Centred Soul community and therapy space on Hill Street, as well as around every corner on the streets of the city. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, "Now in its third year, we are proud of the range of opportunities to get involved with Newry Arts Festival, a diverse festival which is quickly developing a loyal audience. Join us this year from April 1 to 7 as we bring art to unexpected corners of our community, celebrating the beauty and creativity that defines our region.”

Tickets and programme details can be found at: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/newryartsfestival