Newry Arts Festival (Music) – Newry, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Newry Arts Festival, known as Newry Musical Feis, is one of the world’s largest competitive arts festivals, established in 1928 through the vision of The Newry Reporter’s editor, E.P. Northwood, and owner Edward Hodgett J.P. Held annually in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland, the 2026 edition celebrates nearly a century of fostering talent across music, speech, drama, and dance, with the music section drawing over 14,000 entries yearly. This volunteer-run event, supported by Newry Credit Union and granted Major Event status in 2007, showcases vocal and instrumental performances in genres ranging from classical to folk, adjudicated by experts in venues like Newry Town Hall. Rooted in a resilient history—persisting through WWII and The Troubles—the festival nurtures young and seasoned artists, offering educational feedback and a Prize-winners’ Concert.
Set in Newry’s vibrant border city, near the scenic Mourne Mountains, it blends cultural heritage with community spirit, making it a cornerstone of Northern Irish arts. With a commitment to inclusivity, the festival offers bilingual (English/Irish) programs and eco-friendly digital syllabi, ensuring accessibility for all ages and backgrounds while promoting artistic excellence in a supportive environment.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Over 100 music classes, including vocal solos, choirs, piano, strings, brass, and organ, with performances across classical, traditional Irish, and contemporary styles, culminating in a Prize-winners’ Concert showcasing top talent.
- Special Traditions or Features: A legacy since 1928, with milestones like the 1978 Golden Jubilee and 2003 Prize-winners’ Concert revival; special classes for special needs music-making and a focus on youth development through local school participation.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Live adjudicator feedback sessions, workshops on music technique, and community engagement through local group support, set against Newry’s scenic backdrop, with bilingual elements enhancing cultural depth.
- Additional Note: Inclusive for all ages, with robust safeguarding policies and eco-friendly digital programs; the festival’s scale—39 performance days equivalent—ensures a dynamic, accessible arts experience.
Why Attend
The Newry Arts Festival (Music) is a captivating celebration of sound and spirit, where the thrill of competition meets heartfelt mentorship in Newry’s welcoming border city, perfect for families, educators, and music lovers craving authentic cultural immersion. Intimate venues like Newry Town Hall amplify the emotion of a child’s first solo or a choir’s intricate harmony, with adjudicators’ insights sparking growth for performers and inspiration for audiences. Its nearly century-long legacy, undeterred by crises like WWII or The Troubles, reflects a resilient community ethos that champions young talent and local pride.
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Beyond the stage, explore Newry’s bustling markets or Mourne Mountain trails for a holistic escape, leaving you humming with memories and a renewed love for music’s power to connect and uplift in Northern Ireland’s vibrant heart. The festival’s commitment to education through workshops and its inclusive ethos make it a unique opportunity to witness the next generation of artists while soaking in the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Date & Duration
- Dates: The website states that the festival sections are generally scheduled between February and May each year.
Venue / Location
- City: Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Main Venue: Newry Town Hall, a historic hub for music competitions, and Sean Hollywood Arts Centre for additional performances
- Additional Venues: Local churches (e.g., St. Catherine’s for organ classes), schools for youth categories, and community halls for special needs music-making
- Notable Areas: Town Hall auditorium for main events; Arts Centre for workshops; feedback zones post-performance
- Google Maps Address: Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, BT35 6HP
- See Official Site: newrymusicalfeis.com
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via newrymusicalfeis.com or by post through downloadable forms; on-site at venues for spectators; performer entry fees apply.
- Admission Type: Paid for performers, free or low-cost for spectators
- Ticket Price Range: $5–$15 USD (performer class entry: $8–$12; spectator day pass: $5–$10; family bundle: $20–$25)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: General admission with reserved adjudicator seating; concessions for students/seniors; patron packages support the festival.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@newrymusicalfeis.com (general inquiries); entries@newrymusicalfeis.com (registrations)
- Phone: +44 28 3026 2849 (English available, 9 AM–5 PM GMT)
- Website: newrymusicalfeis.com
- Social Media: Facebook: @NewryMusicalFeis; Twitter: @NewryFeis
- Key Staff: General Secretary: Mary Goss; President: Ethel Fitzpatrick (contact via email)
- Press/Volunteers: Press to info@newrymusicalfeis.com; volunteer forms on website (opens December 2025)
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; subscribe for updates
Getting There
- By Train: Newry station (10-minute walk to venues) with services from Belfast (45 minutes) or Dublin (1 hour) via Translink NI Railways.
- By Bus: Ulsterbus 39 from Belfast (1 hour) or Dundalk (20 minutes) to Newry Bus Station.
- By Car: A1 from Belfast (45 minutes) or Dublin (1 hour); free parking at town center lots and station carpark.
- Parking: Free spaces near Town Hall; accessible spots for blue badge holders.
- Local Transport: Taxis via Newry Cabs (+44-28-3026-6666); walking between venues (within 10 minutes); cycle paths available.
- Additional Transport: Nearest airport: Belfast International (BFS, 45 minutes drive); local shuttles during peak days.
Accommodation Options
- Festival Campsite: No official campsite; nearby pitches at Tollymore Forest Park (30-minute drive, £20–£35/night).
- Campsite Details: Forest sites with showers and electric; opens festival period; family-friendly.
- Other Accommodations: Hotels like Canal Court (£80–£150/night); B&Bs such as Windsor Hill B&B; self-catering via Airbnb in Newry.
- Nearby Options: Dundalk (20 minutes) with Crowne Plaza (£70–£120); glamping at Carlingford (£60–£100); book early for March.
- Booking Tip: VisitNorthernIreland.com for packages; Euro Travelo for bundled stays.
Reviews
- A dazzling array of talent in Newry’s heart—music classes that inspire and uplift!
- Adjudicators’ feedback was a masterclass; the Feis’s legacy shines bright for all ages.
- From piano solos to soaring choirs, a vibrant celebration of Northern Irish spirit.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What are the specific dates and daily schedule for the Newry Arts Festival (Music) in 2026?
The Newry Arts Festival (Music) is projected for March 2–14, 2026, spanning 13 days. Three daily sessions run from 9 AM to 9 PM, with venues opening at 8:30 AM. Morning classes feature junior vocals and instruments, afternoons peak with choirs around 2 PM, and evenings host advanced recitals or the Prize-winners’ Concert. The full schedule, covering Newry Town Hall and Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, will be on newrymusicalfeis.com in January 2026. Overlaps with speech and dance sections occur, especially weekends. Indoor venues ensure weather resilience; social media offers live updates.
Who can participate in the music competitions, and what are the entry requirements?
All ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals, can enter over 100 music classes for vocals, instruments, and ensembles. Register by February 2026 via newrymusicalfeis.com or by post, with fees of $8–$12 per class. The January 2026 syllabus lists pieces; no qualifications needed. Schools and groups can submit choirs or duets. Entries require details and class codes, adhering to safeguarding policies. Late entries may incur fees. The festival’s inclusive ethos ensures accessibility for all.
How does the adjudication process work, and what feedback do performers receive?
Expert adjudicators assess performances on technique, musicality, and presence, tailored to age and category. Live feedback follows classes in 5–10 minute sessions, with written notes later. Tips target specifics like vocal phrasing or piano dynamics, balancing critique with encouragement. Certificates reward top scores, emphasizing development. Sessions are open to audiences, enhancing learning. Results post daily on newrymusicalfeis.com, with archived notes for participants.
What accessibility accommodations are available for attendees with disabilities?
Newry Town Hall and Sean Hollywood Arts Centre offer wheelchair access with ramps and adapted seating. Email info@newrymusicalfeis.com by February 2026 for reserved spots and free companion passes. Assistance dogs are welcome; audio aids and large-print programs available. Quiet zones support sensory needs; blue badge parking is nearby. Staff assist mobility; a guide on newrymusicalfeis.com details layouts. Early contact ensures tailored support like interpreters.
Are there opportunities for non-performers to engage with the festival, such as workshops or volunteering?
Non-performers can attend free workshops on music technique, listed in the January 2026 syllabus, led by adjudicators or guest artists. Volunteering (ushers, ticketing) is open to those over 16 via the website (December 2025), offering free access. Post-performance Q&As engage spectators; craft stalls add cultural flair. Social media shares updates, and emailing info@newrymusicalfeis.com for workshop registration connects non-performers to the Feis’s vibrant community.
