Giant Weekend of Eats and Beats with Festival of Free Music and Food Planned for Newcastle

In only a matter of weeks, food and music fans can look forward to a weekend of culinary delights and live music as the Eats and Beats festival returns to Newcastle.

Set against the stunning background of the Mourne Mountains, the festival in Newcastle, County Down on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September is a foodie and music lover’s paradise with a wealth of flavours and incredible acts.

Sample the finest local produce from an array of chefs and local food producers, while talented artists create an electric atmosphere with live music performances.

Sit back and relax while local celebrity chefs cook up a storm, celebrate the finest artisan local produce for which the region is renowned and enjoy cookery demos from the likes of highly acclaimed TV chef Jenny Bristow, and Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe, who represented Northern Ireland on Great British Menu in 2021 and 2024.

Delicious fare and drinks will also be available at the Producers Pavilion with an array of local and Northern Irish food producers. There you will find the some of the finest food and drink on show from Savour Visit Mourne's producers and experiences such as Crawford’s Rock, NearyNógs Chocolatiers and Killeavy Castle Estate. There’ll also be a tipple or two on offer from our local distilleries and craft breweries from gin, whiskey, to beer from the likes of Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery.

At the same time music lovers can dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days. The weekend’s soundtrack will be played out across two stages from the best in local and international musicians and bands. Expect a mix of rock, gospel, folk, country, blues, and punk from musical talent across the island of Ireland.

On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will see incredible music from the likes of Stephen Rafferty, Paddy Casey, The Skallions and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is sure to add to the festival atmosphere.

Anyone looking for something different can lose themselves in the traditional roots with contemporary sounds and influences of Clare Sands. The Vibes, Mariachi San Patricio and Wookalily will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

Speaking about the two-day festival set to takeover Newcastle in September, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “I am delighted the Eats and Beats festival is returning to Newcastle again this year. With its incredible backdrop and holiday vibe, Newcastle will provide the perfect location to draw visitors into the district to enjoy the area’s growing food and music culture.

“It is important that the Council provides opportunities for our hardworking businesses to showcase themselves to a wide audience. The Eats and Beats festival will be an excellent opportunity to sample our delicious award-winning food, chart-topping music, great drinks but above all else, a fantastic time with friends and family.”

Councillor Byrne continued, “We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark.

“Complementing our Giant Adventure series this year will be the return of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”

Jason Hawthorne, Franchise Manager, Lexus Belfast said, “Lexus Belfast is delighted to sponsor the Food Pavilion at the 2024 Eats and Beats Festival for the second consecutive year. The success of last year’s event brought significant exposure to local businesses and musicians, and we are proud to support a festival that emphasises sustainability—a value that aligns closely with our brand’s core principles.”

So, if you're looking for a fun-filled weekend that combines great food, fantastic music, and beautiful scenery; this is a weekend not to be missed. Get your friends or family, head to Newcastle and eat drink and dance your way around the Eats & Beats festival at Donard Park this September.

For the latest information on our Eats & Beats Festival visit: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats

For ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details please visit: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures.

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