Surviving and Thriving

When Newry Musical Feis 2020 was launched on 14th February by Deputy Chair of Newry Mourne & Down District Council, Cllr. Terry Andrews, and Feis President Mrs Alma Brown, everything was in place for 44 days of performance in Music, Dance and Speech - a programme which was to carry through until the start of May.  As we all know, things changed profoundly just four weeks later as the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Determined to provide adjudicated performance opportunties for as many as possible while adhering to the health guidelines we have chosen to host a Virtual Festival in 2021 for three of our seven Sections.  The syllabus content has, for safety reasons, been slimmed down and we know that some will be disappointed that their particular favourites are not available - but equally, we know that you will understand the limitations we face.

The 2021 Syllabuses with modified regulations, policies and byelaws are being uploaded at present - as are some video guidance notes for teachers.  The three Sections taking part are Music, Speech & Drama (Open) and Traditional Irish Music.

We extend best wishes to all of our voluntary helpers, friends, supporters, teachers, parents and most importantly our regular performers young and not so young - especially those that we cannot accommodate in 2021. We hope that there will be sufficient normality in 2022 to allow us to return to a full provision of Classes across all Sections. Stay safe.