THE Belfast City Blues Festival once more takes to the high seas – well across Belfast Lough – for the welcome return of the now famous Blues On The Boat Music Cruises.
Music, food and drinks will be served on board with top performers playing including The Fabulous Mustangs, Rab McCullough & The Rev Doc and Lee Hedley.
The cruises are a feature now of the Belfast City Blues Festival, which is celebrating its ninth year with 50 gigs across 22 venues from June 23-25.
One of the biggest blues festivals on the island, with headline sponsor American Holidays, it has a now loyal following flocking to the city for this celebration of blues music roots and present day incarnations.
“The Blues On The Boat Music Cruises are tremendously popular,” said festival director Seamus O’Neill. “It’s a relaxing tour around Belfast Lough with music pumping out, food and drink on the go too!
“This year we’ve some of the best known names in local music appearing at the Blues On Boat series so they’re promising to be a real highlight of the festival.”
Lee Hedley, Dep Lord Mayor Mary Ellen Crawford, Karen Sheals Hoy of American Holidays, Seamus O’Neill (Festival director) and The Rev Doc | Pic by Tony Murray
Across the heart of the city festival highlights include the annual Rory Gallagher afternoon with artists joining the bill such as The Pat McManus Band, The Willie Byrne Band and Blackwood.
“A great way to remember an Irish music legend with local talent, it’s always a popular occasion and draws large crowds every year” said Seamus.
Topping off the Saturday night, the Belfast Barge Gigs will be showcasing some of the finest local blues talent in a chilled atmosphere. Performers include The Kenny McDowell Project and The Ronnie Greer Band featuring Ken Haddock.
And, as always the festival will be a who’s who of local music. Top names such as Pat McManus, Ronnie Greer, Kenny McDowell, Rab McCullough and Lee Hedley are all set to take to the stage across the weekend. As well known local favourites, they are some of the most talented and well-recognised blues musicians around and promise exciting performances.
Festival goers can also enjoy the Big Belfast City Blues Busk, taking place across the city with a top prize of £200.
At the Record & Memorabilia Fair fans can find the best of blues merchandise and vintage records from the best traders in the business. It’s just one of many events taking place at The Black Box and will be turning the city of Belfast into a celebration of the genre, blues fans of all backgrounds can come together on this vibrant, fun-filled weekend.
Also as part of the festival American Holidays will present: ‘Blues at the Market’ at St George’s Market, featuring The Iconettes performing in the market for a free concert on Sunday June 25.
Other sponsors of the festival include Belfast City Council, Kolor Master Belfast, Sunday World, Berts, FT Contracts, Aer Lingus, Guinness and U105.
For more information, festival listings and tickets log onto www.belfastcityblues.com or connect with the Belfast City Blues Festival official Facebook page.
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