Newry Goes Nashville Returns with Biggest Ever Family Programme

Newry BID has unveiled the full programme for Newry Goes Nashville 2026, with organisers promising the biggest and most family-friendly festival yet when the event returns to the city from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, this year's programme features more than 30 participating venues, live music across the city centre, pop-up performances, dancing, family entertainment and special events designed to bring Nashville spirit to every corner of Newry.

While the nighttime programme remains at the heart of the festival, Newry BID has expanded the daytime schedule of free family activities across the weekend.

One of the highlights will be Boots & Beats, a Nashville Hoe-Down taking place in Buttercrane Shopping Centre from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 4th July. Families can enjoy live country music, line dancing demonstrations from Academy Dance Studio, face painting, a bucking bronco and appearances from special guest Giovanni Coenmans, one of Europe's leading country and western dance instructors and judges.

Saturday morning will also feature a number of family-friendly activities including a free story telling session at The Bookshelf from 10am until 11am,  Sign & Rhyme session at Newry Library from 11am to 12 noon and a Western Craft Workshop at Studio 23 12 noon until 1pm, where children can create their own sheriff badges as part of the festival celebrations.

The family fun continues on Sunday with a second Western Craft Workshop at Studio 23, giving children the opportunity to create their own wooden guitars before heading along to two major festival attractions.

From 1pm to 4pm, Buttercrane Shopping Centre will host the inaugural Trucks & Tractors display, bringing together American trucks, tractors and unique vehicles in support of Air Ambulance NI. Newry BID will donate £10 to the charity for every vehicle displayed.

Meanwhile, The Quays Shopping Centre will host Join in Jivin' from 2pm to 5pm. Delivered by Academy Dance Studio and judged by Giovanni Coenmans, the event will feature competitions across four categories - Tiny Tots, Under 12s, Teens and Adults/Community. With music, dancing, prizes, face painting and a bucking bronco, organisers are encouraging everyone to get involved regardless of age or ability.

Across the weekend, visitors can also enjoy the popular Pop-Up Music Trail, featuring performances in coffee shops, restaurants, retail spaces and public locations throughout the city centre. Performers including Ceev, Stephen Murphy and Gabriel Bradley will bring live country music to unexpected locations as shoppers and visitors explore the city. 

For country music fans, the programme includes live entertainment across venues including The Canal Court Hotel, Magee's Bar, Ginger Jane's, Nan Rice's, The Bridge Bar, McSwiggan's, The Railway Bar, Cobbles, Brass Monkey, The Phoenix, The Bank Bar, McGuigan's and the Catholic Working Men's Club.A headline event of the weekend will be Friends in Low Places - The Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience, taking place at the Canal Court Hotel on Saturday evening. The acclaimed tribute show has performed to audiences across Ireland, the UK and Europe and promises all of Garth Brooks' biggest hits in what is expected to be one of the most popular events of the festival.

Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID, said:

"Last year's event exceeded all expectations and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. One of the key messages from businesses and visitors was that they wanted even more daytime activity and family entertainment, so we have worked hard to build a programme that offers something for everyone.

"Whether you want to enjoy live music in one of our fantastic venues, take part in a dance competition, bring the children along to a craft workshop or simply soak up the atmosphere around the city, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the weekend.

"Newry Goes Nashville is about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and creating a unique festival experience in the heart of the city. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region for what promises to be a fantastic weekend."

The full programme is now available to download from Newry.com, with booking links available for events that require advance registration.

Newry Goes Nashville takes place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July and is proudly delivered by Newry BID.