Ireland’s finest music and culture will take centre stage at Newry’s annual citywide festival Iúr Cinn Fleadh from 21-25 August.
Supported by Newry BID, Newry Mourne and District Council and Narrow Water Events, the five-day festival will present nearly 100 shows and activities fronted by some of the best bands, singers, musicians and comedians – from Newry and beyond.
Heralded as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands, Kíla will fill Newry Town Hall on 23 August with their blend of trad and world sounds. Also on the bill is Rostrevor-born singer-songwriter Matt Benson. A member of George Ezra’s band, Matt has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.
Local hero Pearse Larkin – whose voice has earned him accolades in the trad world – will perform a small intimate gig at Nine Squared Coffee/The Railway Bar on 25 August.
Wexford acoustic duo The Sweet Sorrows will play at Newry Methodist Church on 24 August. The duo are Sammy and Kylie Horner – Sammy is also known as frontman for internationally known Celtic rock band The Electrics.
If you like Emmylou Harris and Lone Justice, you’ll enjoy Dundalk’s Beki Hemingway who brings her cowpunk swagger and alt-country heartache to St Mary’s Church Of Ireland on 25 August.
County Down chart-topper Stuart Leathem is one of only two composers outside of rock gods Queen who worked with Freddie Mercury’s vocals on an original track. Stuart will present a film of his own album at St John Bosco Club on 24 August.
DJ Cú Chulainn will lead Bikes and Beats (pictured). One of Iúr Cinn Fleadh‘s most fun events, this is for everyone of any age. Turn up with bike and helmet on 24 August – and pedal while Cú Chulainn pumps out the tunes.
County Meath musician Brenda Castles will take us on a totally different kind of journey into the world of bees – and how we can help them – with a specially made film and live trad soundtrack at Newry Museum on 25 August.
Local laughter guru Lianne McCooey will lead a comedy night at Newry Market on 23 August – these events usually sell out so be quick to book.
Great as they are, these acts make up an even bigger picture of an entire city of song – as musicians take part in Trad Trail at cafes and bars and Trad Cruise on the Newry Ship Canal.
There are further activities to enjoy, such as – puppet theatre in Newry Cathedral Garden on 23 August, children’s bodhrán workshops at Newry Baptist Centre on 23 August, poetry and pancakes at Newry Library on 21 August, food tour at Phillips Fruit on 23 August, water festival at Albert Basin on 25 August – and much more.
Iúr Cinn Fleadh has been running for about ten years, hosting top Irish bands and artists including Horslips, Hothouse Flowers, Altan, Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black. Newry BID, Newry Mourne and District Council and Narrow Water Events are supporting this year’s Fleadh.