Description

The 2024 Ards International Guitar Festival will take place in Newtownards from 17 – 21 April!

The festival now in its 28th year boasts an array of guitar-centric events, including gigs, free fringe activities and an exhibition.

Guitar fans can expect a diverse line-up spanning blues, folk, rock, Americana, classical and contemporary music. Renowned for celebrating this much-loved instrument, the festival attracts local and international guitarists, creating a dynamic programme all brought together with the help of guest programmer Anthony Toner.

Highlights of this year’s programme include Dom Martin’s evening of performance and conversation with award-winning broadcaster Ralph McLean. Martin, a rising star on Northern Ireland’s music scene, brings his natural acoustic guitar skills and authentic ‘Belfast Blues’ voice to Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 18 April.

On Friday 19 April, Martin Harley, takes to the stage in the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards with his spell-binding exploration of roots, blues and slide guitar. With almost thirty years of music-making and global touring experience, Harley combines exceptional musical talent and songwriting with a down-to-earth sense of humour. Fans of classical guitar will not want to miss American classical guitarist Miles McConnell at Ards Arts Centre on Saturday 20 April, supported by the Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland. McConnell is active both as an arranger and a performer, a role that has taken him to Spain, the UK and around the United States.

Other highlights on this year’s programme include The Grainne Duffy Band with support from Ben Cutler, at Queen’s Hall on Saturday 20 April. Backed by her powerhouse band and joined by local blues legend Ronnie Greer and the accomplished Irish guitarist Jimmy Smyth, this is a night of blues not to be missed! On 21 April, singer/songwriter and former Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Sarah McQuaid graces Ards Arts Centre with her lush, chocolaty voice and engaging personality.

The festival also features the annual Classic Album Brunch, free fringe concerts, featuring Kyle John Suckling and Gavin Ferris, an exhibition by Keery Irvine and more. The Ivy Bar will host blues and rock gigs, culminating in the popular Weekend Wind Down festival finale.

Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 17 - 21 April in various venues around Newtownards. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk or call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803 during box office hours. Tickets go on sale on Thursday 22 February at 10am.

Tickets & Pricing
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00 - 11:00pm
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:00 - 11:00pm
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:00 - 11:00pm
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 12:00 - 11:00pm
Sun, 21 Apr 2024 12:00 - 11:00pm

You might also like

  • I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!
    I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!
    Pubs and Clubs

    I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!

    28 Mar - 28 Dec 2024

    Live Country Music every Friday night at Filthy McNastys with a full band! Expect Tyler Childers, Luke Combs,…

    Find Out More
  • Trad Thursday
    Trad Thursday
    Free Events

    Trad Thursday

    0.86 KM
    28 Mar 2024 - 27 Feb 2025

    Join The Reporter Bar for a good ol'trad session on a Thursday night with local musicians and drinks…

    Find Out More
  • Empire Blues – The Chris Taplin Band
    Empire Blues – The Chris Taplin Band
    Music and Concerts

    Empire Blues – The Chris Taplin Band

    0.99 KM
    28 Mar - 31 May 2024

    Belfast’s own weekly live Blues club. The Chris Taplin Band transport us from Belfast to the Mississippi Delta…

    Find Out More
  • Easter Weekend at Nancy Mulligans
    Easter Weekend at Nancy Mulligans
    Easter

    Easter Weekend at Nancy Mulligans

    0.63 KM
    29 Mar - 01 Apr 2024

    Join Nancy Mulligan’s for an unforgettable Easter Weekend! Enjoy 4 days of incredible live music, delicious food &…

    Find Out More
  • Workers Club
    Workers Club
    Pubs and Clubs

    Workers Club

    0.86 KM
    29 Mar 2024 - 28 Feb 2025

    Join the Reporter for weekend vibes with £3.80 pints 5-8pm followed by live music for established local legends…

    Find Out More
  • Friday Trad Session
    Friday Trad Session
    Music and Concerts

    Friday Trad Session

    0.56 KM
    Fri, 29 Mar 2024, 5:30pm

    Join The Deer's Head every Friday from 5.30pm for their weekly trad session from the finest local trad…

    Find Out More
  • Ulster Orchestra: Music for Good Friday
    Ulster Orchestra: Music for Good Friday
    Music and Concerts

    Ulster Orchestra: Music for Good Friday

    0.27 KM
    Fri, 29 Mar 2024, 7:45pm

    Join Honorary Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen, a stellar group of soloists including Northern Irish soprano Giselle…

    Find Out More
  • Orlando Molina Quintet Album Launch
    Orlando Molina Quintet Album Launch
    Music and Concerts

    Orlando Molina Quintet Album Launch

    6.72 KM
    29 - 30 Mar 2024

    Hailing from Venezuela Orlando weaves a captivating musical narrative that mirrors his diverse artistic and personal journey.

    Find Out More
  • Flashback Fridays
    Flashback Fridays
    Music and Concerts

    Flashback Fridays

    4.35 KM
    29 - 30 Mar 2024

    Kick off your weekend with The Bowery every Friday night where their resident DJ’s will be playing all…

    Find Out More
  • Friday Live Music
    Friday Live Music
    Music and Concerts

    Friday Live Music

    0.56 KM
    Fri, 29 Mar 2024, 9:00pm

    Join The Deer's Head every Friday from 9pm as they welcome the finest local singer songwriters to the…

    Find Out More
Ask Us
Ask Us

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

"*" indicates required fields

Start
Choose a date
End
Choose a date
Back To Top
In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Privacy Policy
In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
You have previously denied access to your GPS location. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location.

To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
Your settings have been updated. They will take effect next time you refresh the page.
By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own.

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Open 'Ask a Question' window Close 'Ask a Question' window

Ask a Question

X

"*" indicates required fields

Hide this tool

Open 'Sign up for Newsletter' window Close 'Sign up for Newsletter' window

Visit Belfast Newsletter

X

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sign-Up

Hide this tool