Newcastle Gears Up for Live Music and a World of Cuisine at Eats and Beats

Newcastle has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic weekend at the Eats and Beats free food and music festival on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. 

With two music stages, local and Northern Irish food producers, and an abundance of food vendors, it will be jam-packed with live music and a world of cuisine.

Festival goers can sample the finest local produce at the Food Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over 40 local and Northern Irish artisan food producers to sample from and buy.  

It’s here that you will find some of the finest food and drink on show from our Savour Visit Mourne's producers. Killeavy Castle Estate, Crawford’s Rock and NearyNógs Chocolatiers will also be on hand to inspire you with their culinary experiences. For those who enjoy a tipple or two, local distilleries and craft breweries like Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery will whet your appetite with some local craft beers, gin, and whiskey.

There will be a wonderful line-up of cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs dishing up a delicious serving of tasty treats over the festival weekend in the Mourne Flavours Pavilion. From Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, celebrated chef, and renowned author to Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe, who represented Northern Ireland on Great British Menu in 2021 and 2024. Cookery demonstrations start at 10.45am each day.

Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen will also delight the crowds with her passion for crafting traditional breads and traybakes that capture the essence of homemade goodness. Completing the cookery demo lineup will be the Slieve Donard Hotel, Burrendale Hotel and Harbour Inn who will be on hand to inspire us with their culinary creations.

Music lovers can then dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days.

Visitors will be entertained by an incredible array of performances offering an eclectic mix of styles and genres that is sure to create a big festival vibe across the seaside town. Live music starts each day from 11.30am in Donard Park be sure to check the various artists set times at: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats/eats-and-beats-music.

On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will be hosted by QRadio presenter, comedian and DJ Ryan Hand.  The festival weekend will see incredible music from the likes of Claudia Buckley, Reevah, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is joined by the Uplifted Gospel Choir who are sure to add to the festival atmosphere.

Anyone looking for something different will find it at the World Stage in Donard Park, hosted by Ripton Lindsey. Loose yourself in the vibes of Manukahunney, Wilson Magwere, Swar Ahmed, The Navigators of Sound and Havana Roots will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Newry Mourne and Down is gaining recognition for its exceptional food and drink offerings, and the area has a longstanding reputation for producing talented and successful musicians. The Eats and Beats festival promises to be a fantastic opportunity to sample our award-winning food, great drinks, chart-topping music, and, most importantly, a fantastic time with friends and family.

Councillor Byrne continued, “This year, we have a packed schedule with a wide range of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Throughout the weekend local businesses are also offering unique experiences which capture the spirit of Newcastle. From artisanal markets and craft fairs to live music and entertainment in the local bars and restaurants, ‘on the fringe events’ add an extra layer of enjoyment to the main festivities.”

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. All roads lead to Newcastle on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September for the Eats and Beats festival, a highlight in the Council's Giant Adventures series.”

Jason Hawthorne, Franchise Manager, Lexus Belfast said, “Lexus Belfast is delighted to sponsor the Food Pavilion at the 2024 Eats and Beats Festival, where the community’s passion for great food and live music meets the excitement of discovering the latest Lexus product range. At Lexus Belfast, we believe in fuelling memorable experiences, and there’s no better way to do that than by bringing people together for a day of flavour, rhythm, and fun!”

For visitors travelling to Newcastle, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road on both days. Public toilets and Accessoloo will be located across the site.

Stay tuned to the Visit Mourne Social Media pages where the full festival line-up, carparking and other important festival information will be available throughout the weekend www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats. Follow us on Social media @VisitMourne #VisitMourne #MourneMountains #RingOfGullion #StrangfordLough

Further information on where to stay, eat and things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures