16/05/2011

Warrenpoint Welcomes Bell Of The Blues

Ex Thin Lizzy legend, Eric Bell, has been announced as the headline act at this year's Blues on the Bay festival in Warrenpoint.

Now in its 13th year, the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival taking place from 26 to 30 May began with only 20 gigs, and has now become an international event with nearly 100 acts filling the town.

Over the years, artists like Van Morrison, Peter Green, Paul Jones and Dr Feelgood have appeared in small intimate venues.

According to the organisers, the festival continues to evolve with this year welcoming the Tall Ship Antigua, which will be used to provide 'Blues Cruises'. Meanwhile, Eric Bell's highly anticipated show will be a new event called 'The Blues Busk on the Beach', also happening on the seafront.

BBC Radio Ulster's Ralph Mclean will be making a live 'Blues Broadcast' during the event, which also includes some impressive blues and folk talent, such as Grainne Duffy, Mirenda Rosenberg, the Robin Bibi Band, Lyndon Anderson Band, Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, Chaz Depaolo, Belfast's Rab Mccullough, Xander & the Peace Pirates as well as Big Daddy & Professor Joel Johnson.

Other highlights include Red Hot Roosters, Lee Hedley and the Mike Wilgar Band, among the 40 acts booked to appear. However, music is not the only thing on the menu as the festival also features food feasts and special events, such as the Bluesberry Park International Music N’ Food Fest, Special Seafoods And Spicey Cuisine on the seafront. Once you're fully satiated, you can go along to one of many music workshops and jamming sessions, or lie back and enjoy a Parade Of Sail Regatta, Cruiser Racing or the Blues On The Bay Cup.

For more information, visit www.bluesonthebay.com.

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