Newry Arts Festival 2026 goes from strength to strength

The 2026 Newry Arts Festival brought ten days of arts, culture and creativity to the city from 19 to 29 March, with audiences turning out from across the district and beyond.

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This year's programme spanned live music, theatre, comedy, film and visual art, with events taking place across a range of venues throughout the city. Workshops and masterclasses covering dance, poetry, film-making and animation gave participants of all ages the chance to get involved, while film screenings added an further dimension to the programme, featuring work from both local and international filmmakers.

One of the highlights of the event was the Luka Bloom concert at St Mary's Church, John Mitchel Place. A beautiful setting for a magical night of music that was enjoyed by all. Luka and the audience singing along to his The City of Chicago song will long be remembered.

Another was the tribute to Nancy Griffith in Newry Town Hall, an intimate gig that was staged 'on stage'. Gillian Tuite and The Blue Moon Band sang the classics Once in a Very Blue Moon, Speed of the Sound of Loneliness and Trouble in the Fields.

Finegan & Son Café also hosted several remarkable events.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "I was delighted to see Newry Arts Festival go from strength to strength. Once again, it has attracted growing numbers and showcased a vibrant mix of local and national talent across a range of intimate locations, quirky spaces and well-known venues. Newry has a long and proud history of arts and culture and festivals like this are vital in continuing that legacy while fostering new talent and engaging new audiences."

With another successful year behind it, planning for the 2027 festival is already under way, with organisers looking to build on this year's momentum and continue delivering an inclusive arts programme for the city.