What We Do — and Why…

"Our purpose is to encourage participation in the performing arts and to provide adjudicated performance opportunities to participants of all ages. We will do everything we can in the year ahead to maintain that

Mary Goss, Administrator's Report to the AGM, 15th November 2021.

Newry Musical Feis is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech www.federationoffestivals.org.uk and has become one of the largest 'Federation' festivals of its kind worldwide.

Each year there are approximately 14,000 adjudicated performances facilitated through three sessions per day, for 44 days across seven Sections that cater for Music (instrumental including organ, vocal and choral), Traditional Irish Music, Ballet and Theatre Dance, Irish Dance (Open), Irish Dance (Confined), Speech & Drama (Open), and Speech & Drama (Schools).

Classes are scheduled in several venues throughout the city with the Canal Court Hotel being the main location. The Feis relies on, and is deeply grateful for, the support of local schools and colleges when special facilities are needed for a variety of Classes such as Ballet and Theatre Dance group work, Organ classes and Music Making for Special Needs.

Certificates, medals and trophies are awarded for exceptional performances, and several significant bursaries are offered each year.

Specialist workshops and masterclasses are organised from time to time with content designed to address areas for development that have been identified by our adjudicators and the teachers who prepare performers for the festival.