Eats and Beats festival set to rock Newcastle

Eats and Beats festival set to rock Newcastle

13 August 2025

THE countdown is to the forthcoming Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle which has become a firm favourite on the district’s events calendar.

The two-day weekend festival – which kicks off on September 6 – draws food and music lovers from far and wide to the resort.

Festival goers are royally entertained in Donard Park where the Mourne Mountains provide a stunning back for the festival which organisers promise will be a vibrant celebration of culinary delights, live music and family-friendly activities.

This year’s festival features an exciting lineup of cookery demonstrations, celebrating the best of local produce and sustainable practices, while at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, festival-goers will have the opportunity to discover the rich flavours of the region, guided by talented chefs and food experts. 

The theme for this year’s cookery demonstrations is sustainability, with a focus on sourcing locally produced ingredients to reduce the district’s carbon footprint and support local farmers. 

And visitors can look forward to learning sustainable cooking practices that can be incorporated into everyday life.

A new addition to the festival this year is the Meet the Producers event, where festivalgoers can connect with local food producers, sample their products and hear the stories behind the delicious offerings. 

Visitors can enjoy the finest produce from Mourne Gullion Strangford and across Northern Ireland, including local favourites such as Crawford’s Rock, Killowen Distiller, and NearyNógs.

For those looking for tasty meals on the go, food vendors throughout the festival will be offering a wide variety of snacks and meals, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste while you explore the festival.

Music lovers will also be treated to an array of live performances across two stages — the homegrown and the world.

The former will feature top local talent, while the world stage will showcase international acts, offering a diverse mix of genres including folk, blues, rock, and more.

Performers include Sasha Samsara, Matt Maginn, Belfast Groove Collective and The Qua Family and with performances scheduled throughout the weekend, the music will add to the lively and energetic atmosphere.

There will also be plenty on offer for families, with the kidz zone, sensory hub and curious minds experiences for kids, plus fun Castle Park activities like Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track for all ages.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Philip Campbell is delighted that the Eats and Beats Festival is returning to Newcastle.

“The festival is an excellent opportunity to showcase our award-winning food and vibrant music scene, all set in the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains,” he said.

“This year’s event will be even more special, with a range of family-friendly activities and the continued growth of our local food and music culture.”

He said the council is proud that Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival.

“This is an integral part of this year’s event,” the chairman continued.

“This initiative supports local businesses by showcasing the town’s best eateries and highlighting the region’s culinary talent, providing a unique opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience the exceptional food Newcastle has to offer.

“Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories.`’

The council chairman added: “Whether you’re a food enthusiast, music lover, or looking for a fun family getaway, the Eats & Beats Festival in Newcastle is the perfect way to spend a weekend.”

Other exciting events to enjoy include the artisan market at Newcastle Centre Plaza, showcasing talented local makers offering everything from handmade jewellery to bespoke home décor and unique souvenirs.

To build momentum ahead of festival weekend, the local council has launched a brand new initiative — Newcastle Restaurant Week  running from September 1 to 7, offering an opportunity to sample the best of local cuisine, with special menus available daily from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm at participating venues.