It has finally happened; a festival has voluntarily given up its hold on the ‘best kept secret’ angle. The 'International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival' is definitely no longer a secret and the organisers should be rightfully proud of that.
Returning again to the seaside haven of Warrenpoint, the event will offer some 90 free gigs, all within walking distance of each other alongside headliners Sandi Thom, Johnny Fean of Horslips, Grainne Duffy, Carvin Jones, Shawn Jones, The Bluez Katz and Spain's Miguel Talavera.
Now in its 15th year the festival has come quite a distance since year one, which featured just 20 gigs. Faced this year with over 90 free shows to choose from attendees are quite literally offered an embarrassment of riches. And we’ve yet to even mention will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year’s event, the Tall Ships Blues Cruise; musicians, punters, boat, water ¬– what could be better?
We can admit, we poured over the programme to try and offer some recommendations, but ultimately realized that is not what a festival like this is about, it is about getting yourself near to something, enjoying it, then moving along to the next thing, and to just keep that going until you’re too tired to continued. At the International Guiness Blues on the Bay Festival, exploration will be its own reward.
The 15th Annual International Guiness Blues on the Bay Festival runs 22-27 May taking in various venues across Warrenpoint. For more info go to link below...
