Coleraine’s historic Market Yard will be transformed into a live entertainment venue when it plays host to the inaugural Rhythm of The Bann event.

 

The concert will be the highlight of the new one-day music and dance festival which will see a wealth of local and international artists performing in a range of venues in Coleraine on Saturday 24^th June.

Up and coming artists will play in cafes and bars throughout the day, there’ll be a festival stage at the rear of the Town Hall and impromptu performances in the town centre. Music will stem from the traditional genres of Ulster Scots, Irish Traditional, Folk and much more, built around the festival strapline ‘We’re bringing it all back home’.

The evening concert is hosted by well-known comedian Tim McGarry and Ulster Scots historian and broadcaster David Hume MBE who will bring an added element of light hearted cultural comedy and craic.

The event will open with a specially choreographed dance performance, ‘Rhythm of the Bann’, executed by the Dominic Graham School of Irish Dance and the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance. The spectacular display, which fuses together the two award winning Schools of Dance, will both thrill and enthral. The performance will be accompanied by award winning pipers and drummers and Spanish band Ballyrúa, who are travelling to Coleraine specifically to perform at the festival.

A spokesperson, for event organisers Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “The wealth of talent coming together for our first ever Rhythm of the Bann makes it a must-see event. This is an exciting addition to our calendar, and we look forward to welcoming both local and international artists to Coleraine. The Market Yard is a great asset for the town, and we hope everyone enjoys seeing it come alive through music and dance.”

Headline act on the night is the Peatbog Faeries, all the way from the Isle of Skye. Hailed for their musical arrangement of traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip hop, reggae and more, they have taken traditional Scottish music into the 21st century. The band have toured the world with their unique music and light show so be prepared for high octane Scots Celtic music as you’ve never heard it before!

Coleraine native Hannah McPhillimy is also on the bill – a multi-instrumentalist with beguiling vocal talent, she is sure to be another great attraction.

Tickets for the evening concert are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for 16 years and under. Doors open at 6pm at the Lime Market Street entrance, and the event is accessible by ticket only. They can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.co.uk (booking charge applies), or via Coleraine Visitor Information Centre by ringing 028 7034 4723. There is no charge for the entertainment taking place in town centre during the day.

Further details on the event are now available on www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.