Renowned Mayo festival marks its 60th birthday

The Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival is looking forward to its 60th anniversary celebrations, with a packed programme of music, family entertainment, heritage, community events and festival favourites planned for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Taking place from Thursday, July 30th, to Monday, August 3rd, this year’s festival marks a major milestone for Newport, celebrating six decades of one of the area’s best-loved community festivals.

Organised by a dedicated local committee and supported by volunteers, businesses and sponsors, the festival will once again bring people together in the heart of Newport for a weekend of entertainment, celebration and community spirit.

The committee wishes to extend a special word of thanks to this year’s main sponsor, West Coast Hospitality Group, Gold Sponsors Brady Energy Consultants and Dynamic Design Consultants, and all the other generous sponsors whose support has helped make the 60th anniversary of programme possible.

A major addition to this year’s programme is the inaugural Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest, a dedicated live music event taking place in a festival marquee near Newport’s harbour. The weekend line-up will feature Derek Ryan, Hermitage Green and The Highstool Prophets, with support acts including Conor Duffy, Cronin and duo Milo and Vinny.

Alongside the ticketed events, the wider festival programme will include a strong mix of free and family-friendly entertainment, children’s activities, street events, heritage features, local performances and traditional festival favourites.

This year’s festival also celebrates the long-running tradition of the Festival Queen. The 2026 Festival Queen, Sarah Chambers, will officially open the festival celebrations while former Festival Queens will also be welcomed during the opening night on Thursday 30th as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

A spokesperson for the Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival Committee said:

“Reaching 60 years is a very special moment for the festival and for Newport. Generations of local people have helped build this festival into what it is today, and this year is about honouring these people and that history while also bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the weekend.” 

The committee also wishes to acknowledge the many past committees, volunteers, supporters and attendees who have helped keep the festival alive since its beginnings in 1966. This anniversary is also a time to remember, with great gratitude, the hard-working volunteers and supporters who are no longer with us, including the late Declan Nevin, who was one of the main driving forces behind the festival for many years.

“The festival has always belonged to the community,” the spokesperson continued. “It brings people home, welcomes visitors, supports local businesses and creates memories for families year after year. For the 60th anniversary, we want to make it a weekend that the whole community really enjoys and that Newport can be truly proud of.” 

Tickets for Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest are now available and full festival details are available in hard copy brochures in local businesses, on the festival website at www.newportgrainneuailefestival.com and through the festival’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.