Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for a seventh summer from August 10-13, bringing world-class talent to more than 30 venues and locations across the celebrated Cathedral city.
Firmly established as one of the great blues and roots music events in the UK and Ireland and set to be the jewel in the crown of a series of wonderful summer events across the region, this year’s line-up promises another unmissable weekend of music.
Attracting locals and visitors in their thousands from far and wide each year, the programme will complement a packed schedule of brand new fringe events designed to suit everyone. Whether visiting the city to shop, eat, drink or to see the sights, those bluesy tones won’t be far away.
More than 50 performers and acts will entertain the masses with local Irish talent including Amanda St John, Grainne Duffy, One Horse Pony, Tony Villiers and the Villains, Dana Masters, Alison McGrath, The Henry Girls and Clive Barnes among many more.
Speaking at the launch of the festival, Councillor Joe Nelson, Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee said: “Armagh is already world famous for its food, Georgian heritage and cathedrals. It is fantastic to see the city provide a stunning backdrop and popular home for blues and music fans for what has become such an internationally renowned event.
“It’s amazing to see such an unrivalled line-up of musicians and venues involved and I hope visitors and locals alike will take this opportunity to visit and explore the city and revel in this year’s festival programme.
“With so much to see, do, taste and experience across the city and region, our 7 Hills Blues Festival provides a perfect reason to visit Armagh and enjoy everything else we have to offer.”
Benchmarked as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, Armagh and the surrounding area will host bespoke food events during the festival. A Street Food Market in the Shambles Yard will kick things off on the Friday before Saturday welcomes back the Picnic in the Park for family fun filled blues with fun and games for everyone to enjoy.
The city’s famed Band Stand on Market Street will have music throughout the day on Saturday, August 12 before The Shambles Sunday BBQ & Blues event on Sunday from 1-5pm will be filled with good food, great craic and blistering summer blues. Any budding blues stars will have the opportunity to pick up an instrument and play during the blues jam session.
Taking place over the same weekend, BuskFest will return to Banbridge on August 12. Now in its 14th year, Buskfest has gone from strength to strength attracting singers, musicians and entertainers from across the globe who perform to huge crowds on the streets of Banbridge Town Centre, all with the hope of taking away a share of the amazing £3,000 prize pot.
During the competition, which will run from 1pm – 4.30pm, participants compete for a variety of accolades including best individual, best band, best junior, best performance and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize. If busking worked for Ed Sheeran, who knows what it can do for these competitors?!
The 7 Hills Blues Festival will create a musical mecca for any fans of roots music to enjoy with all that Armagh has to offer. For more information on the festival and to plan your next visit, go to www.armagh.co.uk.
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