Mourne Chamber Music Festival

Young professional musicians take over St Mary’s Hall at Newcastle Community Cinema for five days at the end of August, when the Mourne Chamber Music Festival runs from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 August 2026. The 2026 programme is themed “Summer of Love” and centres on works by Ethel Smyth, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Frank Bridge, performed by musicians at the start of professional careers rather than an established touring ensemble.

What to expect

The week is structured around a mix of formats rather than one nightly concert slot. Tuesday pairs Pilates with live music from 5 to 6pm; Wednesday’s “Sundown Session” runs 8 to 9pm as a shorter, more relaxed evening set; Thursday and Friday both carry full evening concerts from 7 to 9:15pm; and the festival closes with a Saturday evening concert from 7 to 9pm. The organisers pitch the programme at “seasoned concert attendees or newcomers to classical music” alike, which shows in the variety, from the low-commitment Pilates and Sundown slots to the longer Thursday and Friday programmes. A festival pass covers all five days at a discount to buying each concert separately, and there are reduced rates for students, over-12s and children.

Getting there

Newcastle Community Cinema is on Main Street in Newcastle, in the centre of the seaside town with the Mourne Mountains rising directly behind it. The town is served by Translink bus routes from Belfast, Downpatrick and Newry, and there is public parking within walking distance on Central Promenade and around the town centre.

While you’re in Newcastle

Newcastle’s long beach and promenade sit a few minutes from Main Street, with Slieve Donard and the rest of the Mournes providing a walking option either side of a concert. There is more to see in Newcastle and across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Dates: Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 August 2026
• Venue: Newcastle Community Cinema, St Mary’s Hall, Main Street, Newcastle
• Price: £15 adult per concert, £3 child, £5 student/over-12s, £35 festival pass for all five days
• Theme: “Summer of Love,” featuring Ethel Smyth, Tchaikovsky and Frank Bridge
• Schedule: Tue Pilates and Music 5-6pm, Wed Sundown Session 8-9pm, Thu-Fri Evening Concerts 7-9:15pm, Sat Evening Concert 7-9pm