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.
Click here to view the Newry Arts Festival Programme and to book tickets.
3D Street Artist Newry Arts Festival. Mark Cronin, an Irish 3D street artist for over a decade, brings captivating illusions to life across the streets of Ireland. Despite the impermanence of his art, Mark's vibrant creations engage and delight viewers, turning ordinary surfaces into portals of imagination.
Acrylic Pour & Sip | Newry Arts Festival Join us at our studio in Newry for two hours of pouring paints and drinks during this fun abstract workshop!
Sticky Fingers Arts present an interactive dance and music event with ambient lighting and moving images, creating a multi-sensory experience for children from 0 – 4 years and their grown-ups.
This year's Newry Arts Festival, in association with Newry City Library book club and Filmhub N.I, we look to select and read a book in the lead up to the film adaptation screening exploring how it translates to the big screen. The screening will be followed by a guided, friendly and informal discussion.
Draíocht an Dúlra - The wheel of the year is always turning and Gráinne Holland and her musical friends would like to take you on a journey through the seasons so that you may experience, feel and hear the magic of nature. A 50-minute show combining storytelling, songs, music and dance.
Belfast, 2005. Maura is 15 and trying to find a boyfriend. Only she's surrounded by girls and is starting to think she might actually prefer them. Asking questions in school means awkward blushes and detention. Her only guidance is Martine McCutcheon's 'Perfect Moment' and her best mate Ali. Following its sellout Belfast run and tour, and from the creative team behind the smash hit 'The Gap Year', Commedia of Errors present this hilariously heartfelt look at young love. This pocket-rocket play is back for generations young and old to enjoy
Newry Arts Festival in association with Sticky Fingers Arts and Film Hub NI presents a unique drive-in movie screening of Pixar's Cars…
This practical clown workshop is for all the little aspiring performers who will learn about the pleasure of being ridiculous in a space, about moving from one disaster to the next, about being always happy and optimistic playing before an audience and making them roll around with laughter.
As part of the Newry Arts Festival, Inspiring Yarns will deliver a workshop for knitters to make a chunky cowl using circular needles.
Join artist and tutor Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres and discover the craft practice of Macramé: the art of knots as part of Newry Arts Festival. Sharing the methods used in her own practice, Alison will guide you through the fundamental skills needed to complete a beautiful, knotted plant hanger to take home with you.
This hands-on class will provide you with the techniques to start creating beautiful lettering that will elevate any project, from invitations to home decor.
Come along and learn how to create a felted landscape picture as part of Newry Arts Festival.
Newry Artists Past and Present | Newry Arts Festival
Celebrate music from the past with Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive. Everything from the showbands to modern folk music and loads in between.
Through dance, movement, and masterful puppeteering, Out of the Deep Blue dives into the themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in an outdoor spectacle featuring a 13-foot-tall Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.
Two hour canvas painting experience as part of Newry Arts Festival. Our resident artist will take you step by step through a Monstera plant painting.
Panic Station Comedy Takeover 2 | Newry Arts Festival Following the February show's record breaking, 90 minute-sell-out, this is a second opportunity to takeover Newry Town Hall and roll in the aisles with legendary performers, Colin Murphy, Johnny Bow, Damo Clark and Darren Matthews. The show will be MC'd by Lianne McCooey.
Paris Bubbles are trailblazers in the science of soap bubble art, pioneering many original and novel tricks in their pursuit of spectacular entertainment with the humble soap bubble.
Join us for Poetry and Pancakes. Bring your own work to share with others, or just bring along your favourite poem to read to the group or feel free to just come along and listen and enjoy. Light refreshments served. This is a FREE event.
Step into a dazzling time-capsule of musical magic as our all-star cast ignites the stage with a sensational homage to the unforgettable sounds of the 50s and 60’s. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the golden ages of music, where every note carries the essence of nostalgia and joy.
Singing Circle Workshop | Newry Arts Festival. Come and experience the joy of singing at our traditional singing workshop! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon led by the talented South Armagh singer, Colleen Savage. You will have the opportunity to learn and sing some of the songs synonymous with counties Armagh and Down. No matter if you're a seasoned singer or a complete beginner, you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to sing your heart out. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and share in the joy of song.
Come join us at the Studio 23 to create a hairy highland cow as part of Newry Arts Festival!
Tenx9 is delighted to be taking part in the Newry Arts Festival with nine true stories on the theme 'Future'
The Daughters of Róisín by Aoibh Johnson is a poignant ode to Ireland's hidden past that explores sanctioned abuse against women over the last 100 years.
The New Leaves, like so many contemporary music projects, emerged from the post pandemic wilderness.
The Trial of John Mitchelll is an informative, entertaining, and humorous play, written by Antony Russell, performed by Newpoint Players as part of Newry Arts Festival.
Whitewash is a live urban draw with invited street artists. Whitewash is curated by OMIN internationally famous muralist and graffiti artist. It will take place in Newry Variety Market as part of Newry Arts Festival.
Inspired by Roald Dahl's Wonka books but not related to them, filmmaker Paul King's prequel 'Wonka', is a delightful magical tale featuring a wonderful and tender performance from Timotheé Chalamet.
