Eats and Beats Festival back to rock Newcastle

14 August 2024

THE countdown is on to this year’s Eats and Beats Festival which is making a welcome return to Newcastle.

The two-day festival – which kicks off on September 7 – is a must for food and music fans in Donard Park with the stunning Mourne Mountains providing an amazing back.

And the highly acclaimed event is a foodie and music lover’s paradise with a wealth of flavours and incredible acts.

Visitors can sample the finest local produce from an array of chefs and local producers, while talented artists create an electric atmosphere with live musical 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.

Also in Newcastle will be Great British Menu chefs, Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe, who represented Northern Ireland in 2021 and 2024 respectively.

Delicious fare and drinks will also be available at the Producers’ Pavilion with an array of local 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 will also be a tipple or two on offer from local distilleries and crafter 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.

On the Homegrown Stage in Donard Park, its two day line-up features incredible music.

The Rapparees will be headlining the first evening while other acts include Stephen Rafferty, Paddy Case, The Skallions and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is sure to add to the festivals atmosphere.

For visitors looking for an alternative listen, they can lose themselves in the traditional rotes with contemporary sounds and influences of Clare Sands.

The Vibes, Marachi San Patricio and Wookalily will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

Ahead of the event, Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Pete Byrne said he’s delighted that 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,” he said.

“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, September 11, to Sunday, September 15, in Newcastle. And we look forward to watching our favourite golf stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down.”

Jason Hawthorne, the franchise manager of Lexus Belfast, said Lexus is delighted to sponsor the food pavilion at the 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,” he added.

More information about the festival is available at https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats.

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