The Ards International Guitar Festival arrives in Newtownards next week with a fantastic line-up celebrating local and international guitar talent. Featuring everything from classical to rock, the programme promises something for every musical taste. Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the festival runs from Wednesday 17 – Sunday 21 April.
Highlights on this year’s programme include the brilliant Martin Harley who has been making music and touring the world for almost 30 years. His down to earth sound explores roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘spellbinding.’ Harley has released nine albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic, in Texas and Nashville. Martin will take to the stage in The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Friday 19 April with support from Matt McGinn and Matt Curran.
One of the UK’s leading classical guitarists Manus Noble, will perform his show ‘A Bard’s Tale’ at Ards Arts Centre on Friday 19 April. Known for his unique sounds, original compositions and varied programmes, Noble has performed at some of the UK’s leading venues such as Wigmore Hall, King’s Hall and Royal Festival Hall. ‘A Bard’s Tale’ takes the audience on a journey across time and continent with music performed on guitar, Irish bouzouki, handspan, shruti box and voice.
The festival is delighted to welcome back previous Lifetime Achievement Award Winner (2017) Sarah McQuaid, whose chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots). Performing on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum, McQuaid’s performances create a truly immersive experience. McQuaid will be appearing at Ards Arts Centre on Sunday 21 April, supported by Martha Greer.
Other highlights of this year’s programme include; the Comedy Classic Soundtracks with Paul McMordie and Bill Campbell, Tony Villiers and The Villains at The Ivy Bar and Pictures in Rock, an exhibition of curated photographs by music photographer Keery Irvine at Ards Arts Centre.
Speaking about the festival, Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented:
“We are tuning up for a fantastic few days of live guitar music in Ards next week. There’s real Blues vibe running through this year’s festival and an opportunity to hear international acts like Martin Harley and Sarah McQuaid right on your doorstep. We have something to appeal to every taste.”
For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit: www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk or alternatively call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803