Did you attend an event at this year's Ards International Guitar Festival? If so, we would love to know what you thought! Please take a moment to complete this survey on the festival: https://bit.ly/2VBtAO0 All those who leave their email addresses are automatically entered into a draw for two tickets to attend the Broken String Band on Friday 31 May, Ards Arts Centre, 8pm! Thank you, your views are very important to us!

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We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2019 Ards International Guitar Festival "Lifetime Achievement Award" was awarded to the phenomenal Simon McBride after his performance on Saturday night! Hailed by many as the rightful heir to Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore, McBride is beginning to make waves across Europe. After an extensive tour with Ian Gillan Sings Deep Purple and credits as guitarist and co-writer on Don Airey’s latest album, Simon recently signed to Europe’s leading rock label, Ear Music, home of Alice Cooper, Al Di Meola, Deep Purple, Foreigner, Marillion and a host of others. His guitar skills (he’s described by Guitarist magazine as ‘among the best blues-rock players anywhere in the world’) have earned him endorsements by some of the guitar world’s biggest brands – he’s a longtime endorsee of PRS Guitars and the personal pick of Paul Reed Smith. Thank you to Andrew Cooke for creating this year's bespoke award! (Andrew Cooke ,Maker of unusual ceramic instruments & strange things) Photos credited to Nurse Ratched Photography #ArdsGuitarFestival

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As #ArdsGuitarFestival draws to a close, join us at The Ivy Bar at 4pm today for the final event of the festival; an afternoon of lyrics from the heart and music that’s good for the soul with an afternoon of Americana inspired singer-songwriters. We are delighted to welcome chart-topping and multi-award winning Irish singer songwriter Megan O'Neill whose collaboration with The Dunwells makes for a unique pairing. With support from the wonderful Amanda Agnew. Tickets available on the door (CASH ONLY). More info: http://www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk/artist-biog/megan-oneill-and-the-dunwells Sun 7 April | The Ivy Bar | 4pm | £5

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Tickets available on the door for John Tracey Music and SÍOMHA at Ards Arts Centre today at 2pm! We look forward to the return of John Tracey Music to #ArdsGuitarFestival, after his debut last year, to demonstrate at more length his superb acoustic fingerstyle technique and his beautiful compositions. John will be sharing a stage with the fantastic jazz guitarist SÍOMHA who has recently exploded onto the festival scene with a wonderful collection of songs and a superb technique. More info: www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk Sun 7 April | Ards Arts Centre | 2pm | £10 (incl refreshments)

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SUNDAY’S #ARDSGUITARFESTIVAL LINE UP: • Guitar Clinic with Alexandr MISKO Guitar - Ards Arts Centre | 12pm | £10 • John Tracey Music and SÍOMHA - Ards Arts Centre | 2pm | £10 • Weekend Wind Down with Megan O'Neill and The Dunwells, supported by Amanda Agnew - The Ivy Bar | 4pm | £5 Tickets available on the door (Ivy Bar - CASH ONLY). Doors open 30mins before performance time. www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk

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❗️SOLD OUT❗️ Folks, tonight’s concert with Ariel Posen and Simon McBride is now SOLD OUT! If you missed out, head over to the Ivy Bar at 10pm for blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer who will be joined by special guest Bill Shanley Music. www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk

In Your Town - Rory Gallagher Memorabilia Exhibition

If you are in Ards or attending any of the #ArdsGuitarFestival events this afternoon, make sure to check out this great exhibition In Your Town - Rory Gallagher Memorabilia Exhibition showing as part of the festival in Ards Arts Centre!

Sailboat - Live at The Bluebird Cafe

LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING for the Rory Nellis Free Fringe Gig at Ards Arts Centre this lunchtime, 1pm! Although tickets are free, spaces are limited so get yours by calling 028 9181 0803 or via www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk You are welcome to bring a coffee or your lunch while you enjoy Rory’s performance!

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SATURDAY’S #ARDSGUITARFESTIVAL LINE UP: • Sing to Me with Kyle James Riley - Ards Arts Centre | 11am | £5 | ages 2-7 years • Rory Nellis - Ards Arts Centre | 1pm | FREE • George Lowden Guitars in Conversation with Ralph McLean and special guest Ariel Posen - Ards Arts Centre | 2.30pm | £8 • Ariel Posen and Simon McBride | The Queen’s Hall | 8pm | £15 (LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING) • The Ronnie Greer Blues Band with special guest Bill Shanley Music | The Ivy Bar | 10pm | £5 Limited tickets remaining for some events, please check availability before attending. www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk

Mean Town Blues

Don’t miss an electrifying set tonight from The HardChargers in the Ivy Bar at 10pm! Led by Lonesome Chris Todd, The HardChargers are an electric power trio steeped in inspiration from a variety of sources. Tickets available on the door (CASH ONLY). Doors open 9.30pm. More info: http://www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk/artist-biog/the-hardchargers Fri 5 April | The Ivy Bar | 10pm | £5

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We are excited for tonight’s night’s line up of exceptional fingerstyle guitar with the phenomenal Mike Dawes who has been hailed as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitar performers! Dawes will be joined by Alexandr MISKO Guitar and Ali Tod! Tickets available on the door (CASH ONLY). Doors open 7.30pm More info: http://www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk/artist-biog/mike-dawes Fri 5 April | The Queens Hall | 8pm | £15 (bar available)

Hold your hand in mine

LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING for Amanda Agnew’s Free Fringe Gig at Ards Arts Centre this lunchtime, 1pm! Although tickets are free, spaces are limited so get yours by calling 028 9181 0803 or via www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk You are welcome to bring a coffee or your lunch while you enjoy Amanda’s performance!