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Newry Arts Festival is back for its third year, running from 19 to 29 March 2026, with a packed ten-day programme of events taking place across the city.
Organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the festival has grown year on year and 2026 looks set to be its most varied offering yet, with comedy, music, theatre, film, literature, workshops and exhibitions all on the bill. Whether you're a long-time arts lover or just looking for something different to do, there's something for all ages across a range of venues in the city.
Comedy fans are well catered for with Paddy Raff and William Thompson both appearing, as well as Newry's own Liamine McCooey bringing some local flavour to the line-up. On the music side, Irish folk singer Luka Bloom and the Newry Chamber Orchestra are among the highlights, while local metal band Gama Bomb feature through a screening of their documentary, Gama Bomb - Survival of the Fastest. Poetry, spoken word and theatre also make up a significant part of the programme, with well-known writers and local creatives both getting a platform.
return to venues across Newry from 19 to 29 March 2026.
Film runs throughout the festival and kicks things off on opening night, Thursday 19 March, with Celtic Utopia, an Irish music documentary. Further screenings include Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story and Aontas, an Irish-language black comedy thriller, offering audiences a taste of contemporary Irish cinema.
Families are well looked after too, with puppetry, storytelling, Lego animation workshops and hip hop dance sessions for younger attendees. For adults wanting to pick up something new, a Digital Music Production Workshop will cover the basics of making music using accessible technology.
Accessibility has been built into the programme from the outset. A Relaxed Screening has been arranged for neurodivergent audiences and their families, and Barry's Beats club night has been designed as a sensory-considered dance experience for adults with autism and learning difficulties.
Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Cambell said the festival was something the whole district should be proud of. "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."
and Son on 29 March
Events will be held at a range of venues across Newry including Newry Town Hall, Newry and Mourne Museum, St Mary's Church and Newry City Library and other local arts and community spaces.
Full programme details and ticket information can be found at newryartsfestival.com
