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Newry Mela 2026 has been officially launched at Buttercrane Shopping Centre with performers, volunteers and community leaders turning up to mark the start of this year's multicultural festival. The Mela itself will take place on 6 September 2026 at McClelland Park.
Helping the launch were Buttercrane Shopping Centre manager James Loughran, Councillor Helena Young and Cathy McMahon of the Confederation of Community Groups, who jointly revealed the official Newry Mela 2026 logo and T-shirt.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Young said this was the second year of Newry Mela and spoke of the value of welcoming different cultures to Newry, adding that the festival at McClelland Park was set to be an enjoyable day for the community. Cathy McMahon described Newry Mela as a celebration of diversity, family and togetherness, and reaffirmed the Confederation of Community Groups' support for the event.
The launch programme was hosted by MC Stephen, with Kerri Morrow and Padraig Harte from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Bronagh from Volunteer Now also in attendance in support of the initiative. NIAC organiser and founder of Newry Mela, Siju George, spoke about the festival as an opportunity to learn from different cultures and celebrate as one community.
The launch featured a number of cultural performances reflecting the range of talent involved in the Mela. The McEntegart School of Irish Dance performed traditional Irish dance, while Weihong Chinese Arts and Culture presented Chinese cultural performances. The Sinead Nolan Academy of Irish Dance also performed Irish dance routines, and the T&S Senior Dance Team presented modern choreography.
Organisers thanked the funders supporting this year's event, including The National Lottery. Newry Mela 2026 is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Arbour and Radius Housing, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's Health and Wellbeing programme, the Northern Ireland Executive and Housing for All.
