Eats and Beats free food and music festival to return

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 background of the Mourne Mountains, the festival will take place in Newcastle, County Down on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. Attendees 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.

The festival aims to showcase artisan local produce and cookery demos from 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 from producers such as Crawford’s Rock, NearyNógs Chocolatiers and Killeavy Castle Estate. There’ll also be local distilleries and craft breweries from gin, whiskey, to beer from the likes of Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery.

The weekend’s soundtrack will be played out across two stages 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.

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.”