Newry Arts Festival Returns This March with Diverse Programme of Events

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy ten days of arts and cultural events as the Newry Arts Festival returns from 19 to 29 March 2026.

 

Now in its third year, the festival continues to grow, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, film, comedy, music, theatre, literature and workshops taking place at venues across Newry City. The festival aims to showcase local talent while bringing high-quality arts experiences to audiences of all ages.

 

This year’s programme will feature performances by a range of established and emerging artists. Comedy highlights include Paddy Raff, William Thompson and Newry native, Lianne McCooey, while music lovers can look forward to concerts from Irish folk singer Luka Bloom, the Newry Chamber Orchestra and local band, Gama Bomb, will appear through a screening of their documentary, Gama Bomb – Survival of the Fastest. Theatre, poetry and spoken word events will also form a key part of the programme, including readings and performances by well-known writers and local creatives.

 

Film screenings will play a central role in the festival, opening with the Irish music documentary, Celtic Utopia on Thursday 19 March. Additional screenings will include, Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story and the Irish-language black comedy thriller, Aontas, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience a range of contemporary Irish cinema.

 

Family-friendly activities will run throughout the festival, including puppetry performances, storytelling events, Lego animation workshops and hip hop dance sessions for young people. For those interested in developing new skills, a Digital Music Production Workshop will introduce participants to the basics of creating music using accessible technology.

 

The festival places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. A Relaxed Screening will be provided for neurodivergent audiences and their families, while Barry’s Beats club night will offer a sensory-considered dance experience specifically designed for adults with autism and learning difficulties.

 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Cambell said, “Newry Arts Festival is a fantastic celebration of creativity and culture in our district. It showcases the wealth of talent we have locally while also attracting performers and audiences from further afield. With such a varied programme on offer, there are opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts, try something new and support events taking place across our city.”

 

Events will take place in a variety of venues, including Newry Town Hall, Newry and Mourne Museum, Newry City Library and a number of local arts and community spaces, helping to bring culture and creativity into the heart of the community.

 

Full programme details and ticket information are available at: https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/newryartsfestival