Over the decades the Newry and Mourne area has developed a rich heritage in the performing arts. The large number of drama and music groups and Irish Dancing Schools to have flourished in the area at one time or another attest to this drive and enthusiasm for the performing arts.
Dating from the late 19th century up to the present, the Performing Arts Collection comprises programmes, leaflets, posters, tickets, photographs, Irish Dancing costumes and trophies from the many drama and musical productions, concerts and competitions organised by local groups. Significant amounts of material relate to Newry Musical Feis which was set up in 1928, Newry Musical Society, Newry Drama Festival, the Newpoint Players and the various Irish Dancing Schools. Material also demonstrates the importance of music and drama in rural communities in the mid-20th century and the popularity of Show Bands in the 1960s and 1970s.
Various artefacts focus on individuals who played an influential role in the performing arts in the area including Arthur Burns (Irish Dancing), P.J. McKay (pantomimes), Pat McKevitt (variety concerts) and Sean Holywood (drama).
