With just over a week to go to the until the 15th annual International Blues on the Bay Festival kicks off, excitement is reaching fever pitch. With an incredible mix of local, national and international talent playing all over Warrenpoint during the festival’s six days the only disappointment is that you will not possibly be able to see them all. Still the helpful folks over at the Blues on the Bay have released an excellent gig planner on their website and it’s an absolute must for anyone who wants to make sure they see all their favourite artists. It also highlights just how far the festival has come. It began 15 years ago as a two day event featuring just 20 acts. Now it runs for almost the entire week featuring more than 90 acts and stretching across Warrenpoint and even out into the lough with the return of the hugely popular Blues Cruise which this year features the incomparable Grainne Dufffy. It has even spawned its own fringe with a host of events happening in and around the festival. Most of the big names have been announced but there still is time for a few more surprises before the curtain lifts. One of the most exciting aspects will be the Blues on the Bay Workshops with details expected to be announced soon. Many of they events are free while tickets for some of the bigger gigs are on sale now. For a full rundown of artists, events and fringe activities and that all important gig planner, log on to www.bluesonthebay.co.uk
Newry Democrat
14th May 2013
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