Blues on the Bay

The 14th Guinness® International Blues on the Bay Festival is well and truly underway.

Home to the annual Guinness International Blues on the Bay festival, the picturesque Warrenpoint will host Jimi Hendrix’s brother Leon Hendrix who will headline the festival which takes place from the 24th to 28th May.

Performers from the USA, mainland Europe and GB will join home grown talent at the event which has developed into one of the world’s most popular blues festivals hosting over 90 gigs.

Paul Callan, Diageo Northern Ireland, said: “Everyone at Guinness is looking forward to the 14th Annual Guinness International Blues on the Bay Festival which promises to be the best programme yet.  Jazz and blues fans are passionate about music and what better way to celebrate the diversity and range of global talent than having many of the world’s best artists perform in the beautiful Warrenpoint.  This event continues to grow in stature with each festival year and along with other special events in Northern Ireland in 2012 it is helping to build momentum within our tourism sector, an area that we are passionate about and are committed to supporting.”

One of the main features of the festival weekend will be the famous ‘Guinness Bay Blues Pub Trail’, which will feature over 60 free gigs across the 5 days.  At these events audiences will be treated to a host of internationally acclaimed performers including Ex. Mama’s Boys; Pat McManus, Liverpool’s ‘Xander and the Peace Pirates’ and New York guitar ace; Chaz Depaolo.  Other stand out performers at the festival will include Jack Moore (son of guitar legend Gary Moore) Mirenda Rosenberg, Kathleen Pearson, Rab McCullough, and The Bluez Katz Blues Band.

Commenting on the programme, Event Director, Ian Sands said, “This year’s event will surpass all others with over 40 performers providing free high class blues to an international blues audience creating the essential ingredients for what will be a world class music event.

In addition to the international and local performers, budding blues musicians will have the opportunity to brush up on their musical skills or discover hidden talents with the popular ‘hands-on’ music workshops. The fun will also extend to the beautiful Edwardian town park where there will be band concerts, a 70-piece band and a food fest. The park entertainment is part of the all-new ‘Bluesberry’ event.

A former Northern Ireland Tourist Board ‘Event of the Year’ Award winner, the event attracts visitors from all over the world and continues to grow in footfall year on year.

Visit www.bluesonthebay.com or call the ticket hotline 02890246609 for further details (Regular updates on Facebook).

The International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival is supported by; Diageo, The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Newry and Mourne District Council, United States Consulate, The Quays Newry, WBR Chamber of Commerce and P & O Irish Sea.