TOUR operator, American Holidays is once again backing the hugely popular Belfast Blues Festival as the main sponsor of this massive event in the city’s music calendar.
With 50 gigs across 22 venues from June 23 – 25 the festival is one of the biggest in Northern Ireland and is a perfect fit for American Holidays.
The specialist operator has a strong legacy with the Deep South’s music and culture, including an in-depth knowledge of the blues and country music scene in the United States.
Matching that knowledge with the Belfast Blues Festival sees the travel company branding beside acts such as The Pat McManus Band, Kenny McDowell, Rab McCullough and Lee Hedley for the 15,000 plus visitors and locals that attend the fest.
Karen Sheals Hoy from American Holidays and festival director Seamus O’Neill | Photo by Tony Murray
In addition American Holidays is sponsoring a free ‘Blues in the Market’ show in St George’s Market on Sunday, June 25 featuring The Iconettes.
“It must feel organic or the consumer won’t make the connection” said Karen Sheals Hoy, manager of American Holidays. “Budgets are constantly being stretched and evaluated so building upon the success we’ve seen each year with the festival is extremely important to us.
“Our partnership with the Belfast City Blues Festival means we are able to engage with potential customers as well as offer their existing customer base an inside look at the festival as well as ticket giveaways and special offers via social channels.”
“American Holidays understands today’s consumer is constantly bombarded with messages from brands the moment they pick up their phone until they turn off the television at night, so creating a synergy with a partner like the Belfast Blues Festival that truly speaks to their consumer will continue to be a focus in the years to come.”
Now in its ninth year, the Belfast Blues Festival is the biggest blues festivals in Ireland and Northern Ireland and is the widest reaching music festival in Belfast.
Festival director Seamie O’Neill is excited about the 2017 line-up. He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be delivering the Belfast City Blues Festival once again for the 9th year.
“We cannot thank our sponsors and supporters enough, especially our principal sponsor American Holidays who have been great advocates for the local music scene.
“Without the continued support of our festival volunteers, supporters and sponsors the festival would not happen and thankfully we continue to grow from strength to strength each year. To all the participating venues, musicians and festival crew, a huge round of applause!
“This year once again we feel we have something for everyone, great live bands, great venues and of course great gigs all taking place we are proud to say in a great city.
“To everyone taking part and all our guests attending the festival, have a great weekend.”
For great deals to Chicago, The Deep South and other Destinations visit www.americanholidays.com – For ticket information on the festival visit www.belfastcityblues.com #PossibilitiesUnlimited.