Planning your visit to the Eats & Beats festival in Newcastle, County Down? You've come to the right place! This essential Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page covers everything you need to know about Eats & Beats, one of Northern Ireland’s top food and music festivals. From ticket info and parking tips to food vendor highlights and live music schedules, we’ve answered your most frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Eats & Beats, experience along the stunning Mourne Mountains coastline. Get ready for a weekend in Mourne Gullion Strangford this September, packed with local flavours, family fun, and unforgettable beats.
Eats & Beats is a vibrant festival celebrating food, music, and culture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, County Down. Held annually, the festival brings together local food producers, talented chefs, and musicians for a weekend of culinary delights and live entertainment. Eats & Beats is one of three Giant Adventures events in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Visitors can enjoy cookery demonstrations, explore the Producers Pavilion featuring a wide variety of local produce, and discover new tastes through the Meet the Producer events. The festival also offers a dynamic music lineup, showcasing both Homegrown and Global talent, making it an exciting and immersive experience for foodies and music lovers alike.
2. When and where is Eats & Beats held?
The Eats & Beats festival takes place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026.
Eats & Beats takes place in Newcastle, County Down. Newcastle is approximately a 1-hour drive from Belfast and 2 hours from Dublin, offering easy access to the town. Mourne Gullion Strangford is very well connected by road and rail, so don’t worry if you don’t have a car. We have our train and bus station in Newry City, bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle, all with direct routes from the Grand Central Station in Belfast City. Coming from Dublin City? Trains and buses stop in Newry City, so there is plenty of transportation to stop by for a visit. More information is available on our ‘Getting to’ page.
3. What food and drink experiences can I expect during Eats & Beats?
During the Eats & Beats festival, you can expect a vibrant mix of street food vendors, artisan producers, and immersive food experiences. The Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase top chefs demonstrating how to make the most of local ingredients, with a focus on sustainability and practical, easy-to-recreate recipes.
Visitors can also enjoy Meet the Producers sessions, offering the opportunity to connect with the local food and drink industry and learn more about their products and their story.
The Producers Pavilion will highlight the very best of local and regional food, featuring a variety of local produce. In addition, on-site bar facilities will serve drinks from local brewers and distillers.
Please be advised that alcohol is not be permitted to be brought on to the Eats & Beats festival site. All visitors will be subject to bag checks and security searches at the entrances. These measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Visitors are also advised that glass is not permitted on the festival site for safety reasons. We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation during the entry process, our team will work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Find out more on our Eats & Beats Food page.
4. What kind of music will be at Eats & Beats?
The Eats & Beats festival offers an exciting mix of Homegrown and Global music, celebrating diverse genres and sounds across two stages. The Homegrown Stage will feature talented local musicians and bands, showcasing the best of regional talent. The World Stage will bring an international flair to the festival, with performances inspired by global rhythms, creating a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. Find out more on our Eats & Beats Music page.
5. Are there family activities at Eats & Beats?
Eats & Beats isn’t just for foodies and music lovers, it’s part of a wider celebration of family fun happening all across Newcastle town! This year, families can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and entertainment throughout the area, promising fun for all ages.
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At Donard Park, younger visitors can enjoy the Kid’s Zone, a dedicated space for play and interactive fun, alongside Curious Minds, where engaging information stands from organisations provide opportunities to learn, explore, and be inspired.
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Castle Park offers a range of activities for all ages, including Pedalo Swans for a leisurely ride on the park’s serene waters and an exciting Go-Kart Track suitable for both kids and adults.
Find out more on our Eats & Beats Family page.
6. Are there any age restrictions at Eats & Beats?
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
7. What else can I do during the Eats & Beats festival weekend?
Beyond the main festivities, Newcastle’s On the Fringe offers unique experiences that capture the spirit of this vibrant town, where a lively array of bars, pubs, and restaurants, from inviting eateries to stylish cocktail lounges, add to the festive atmosphere and make every night out unforgettable.
Find out more on our On the Fringe page.
8. Do I need to buy tickets for Eats & Beats?
Yes, tickets are required to attend Eats & Beats Festival 2026. All visitors must obtain a ticket in advance to gain entry to the festival site and enjoy the full programme of events. For more details on tickets, please visit our Eats & Beats - Terms & Conditions page.
9. What are the Conditions of Sales and Entry?
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All tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
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We are delighted to welcome families to the event. All guests under the age of 16 must be always accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult is responsible for the supervision and conduct of the minor throughout their visit. Proof of age may be required.
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We aim to deliver the best possible experience; however, the programme may be subject to change.
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To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all, the Management reserves the right to refuse admission where necessary.
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The Management may also require any attendee to leave the premises if behaviour is deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with the event, and will take reasonable steps to enforce this where required.
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For everyone’s safety, all attendees will undergo security screening, including bag searches on entry.
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To maintain a safe environment, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted to be brought into the event.
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Visitors are welcome to leave and return to the festival site on the same day. Upon re-entry, standard admission procedures, including ticket checks and security screening, will apply.
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Please note that re-admittance is permitted until 5pm only and is valid on the date specified on your ticket. After 5pm, re-entry will not be permitted.
10. Can I go in and out of the Eats & Beats festival?
You are welcome to leave and return to the festival site on the same day (as specified on your ticket) until 5pm. After 5pm, re-entry will not be permitted. On re-entry, all standard admission procedures will apply, including ticket checks and security screening.
11. What time does the Eats & Beats festival open and close?
The festival site is open from 10:30am to 7pm. Please note that re-admittance is available until 5pm only. After this time, re-entry will not be permitted.
12. Can I bring picnic blankets and/or chairs to Eats & Beats?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring picnic blankets and/or chairs to enjoy the festival in comfort.
13. Is parking available at the festival?
With limited street parking available nearby, visitors are encouraged to use public transport options for ease of access to the festival site. Find out more on our Parking in Newcastle page.
Street Parking
Street parking is also available in Newcastle. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found on the Newry, Mourne and Down Car Parking Page.
Accessible parking is available for blue badge holders throughout Newcastle.
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Donard Car Park (0.1 miles (1-minute walk) to Donard Park).
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Castle Park (0.3 miles (8-minute walk) to Donard Park).
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Downs Road (0.6 miles (13-minute walk) to Donard Park).
Public Transport
Newry train and bus stations are within easy reach of Newcastle and the bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle have direct routes from the Belfast Grand Central Station, making travelling in and around here all that easier.
If you’re travelling from Dublin, it couldn’t be easier with regular train and bus routes operating daily to Newry city and then take a connection to Newcastle.
For more information on Translink timetables and fares please visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre on (028) 90 66 66 30.
More information on getting around the Mourne Gullion Strangford area is available on our 'Getting Around' page.
14. Are there any accessibility services at the festival?
We welcome everyone to Eats & Beats. We’re delighted to have you join us and are committed to ensuring an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. From 10.30am – 2pm, enjoy a gentler Eats & Beats experience, with no queues, no loud music, and fewer crowds, perfect for visitors with sensory or access needs. Please refer to our Eats & Beats Access page for more information.
15. Are there accommodation options nearby?
Yes, there is a variety of accommodation options available, including family-friendly hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, and caravan parks. For more details on nearby accommodation, please visit our Where to Stay in Newcastle page.
16. Are there any prohibited items on the festival site?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the following items are not permitted on site:
17. Can I bring my dog to the festival?
Dogs are permitted, but we ask that they always remain on a lead.
18. What happens in case of inclement weather?
The safety and enjoyment of our festival attendees, staff, and performers are our top priorities. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or severe storms, we may temporarily suspend activities or, if necessary, evacuate the area to ensure everyone's safety.
We closely monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the event and will communicate any changes through our official website, social media channels, and on-site announcements. Please check these platforms regularly for updates. In cases where the weather leads to a cancellation on one of the festival days, we will provide updates through our official website and social media channels.
19. What security measures are in place at the festival?
We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all festival attendees. Our comprehensive security plan includes:
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Security personnel and Child Protection Officers will be stationed throughout the festival grounds to help and respond to any security concerns or emergencies.
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Emergency medical staff and facilities are available on-site to manage any health-related incidents. Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.
20. Is there a lost and found at the festival?
In case you lose personal belongings or find lost items, head to our designated Lost and Found area for assistance. The Lost and Found area will be in the Pavilion building in Donard Park.
21. Will there be toilets and changing places onsite?
Assessible toilets and Changing Places facility are available in Donard Park and Car Park and there are also public toilets available in Newcastle town centre see Public Toilets - Newry, Mourne and Down - link opens in new window). Please refer to our Eats & Beats Access page for more information.
22. Who can I contact for more information ?
Click here for our Useful Contacts page or contact Visitor Services Email: visitorservices@nmandd.org Telephone: +44 (0) 33 0137 4046
23. What is your sustainability policy?
Eats & Beats is designed to showcase the unique assets within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. It is designed and delivered under the Geopark Code of Practice for sustainable tourism that promotes the safeguarding and respectful engagement with local communities.
We’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too! More information can be found on our blog about Sustainability.
24. Is there an official Eats & Beats festival website for updates and information?
For information on the Eats & Beats festival, go to visitmournegullionstrangford.com/EatsandBeats
Follow us on social @visitmournegullionstrangford #EatsandBeats on Facebook, Instagram and X pages for updates.
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The Eats & Beats Festival features an impressive music lineup across two stages. The Homegrown stage showcases great local musicians, while the World Music stage brings to life vibrant global rhythms, beats and more.
