25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR
INTERNATIONAL GUINNESS BLUES ON THE BAY FESTIVAL 2024 IN WARRENPOINT!
WARRENPOINT HAS A NEW SPRING IN ITS STEP FOR
A BLISTERING BANK HOLIDAY BLUES! WEEKEND
Picturesque Warrenpoint is once again set to play host to some of the world’s leading blues and jazz performers who are heading to the County Down town for the much awaited 25th International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival from 22nd to 28th May 2024.
Now celebrating a remarkable 25 years of top-class international musicians, 2024 sees Paul Jones – original lead from The Blues Band – added to the line-up, as well as BBC Radio 2’s Blues Show presenter, Manfred Mann.
Sponsored by Diageo Northern Ireland, the festival attracts thousands of music loving locals and tourists every year, with many coming from across the globe to visit the renowned festival.
Celebrating its incredible 25th anniversary, the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival will become every music fan’s paradise this year as it hosts seven-days of over 60 free breath-taking blues and jazz gigs, music and jam sessions.
Featuring amazing international blues musicians from across the globe and closer to home, this award-winning festival grows from strength to strength every year!
This year, festival fans will be treated to a musical extravaganza featuring international blues legends including Dave Kelly, AJA (Playing the music of Steely Dan), CrowBlackChicken, The Pat McManus Band, Ronnie Greer, The Sabre Jets, Ken Haddock, Reverend Doc, The Bluez Katz and The Mr Castle, Featuring Venezuelan guitar maestro Hector Castello.
Other highlights include a 3-day Artisan food and craft market, a BBC Radio Ulster broadcast by Ralph McLean and also a wealth of established pros in the international blues festival circuit including: Ben Prevo, Lonesome Pete, Andy Whittaker, Willie Byrne, The Backbone Blues Band, Mark ‘Bee Sting’ Braidner, Tony Villiers, Allison McGrath and many, many more. The festival also includes blues jamming sessions and a blues guitar workshop to reveal the undiscovered talents in our midst!
With the festival staying as a seven-day event again this year, look out for The Waverley Paddle Steamer Blues Cruise plus more gigs to finish off the festival in true Blues on the Bay style!
Paul Callan, Diageo Northern Ireland, said; “The International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival is an annual highlight for thousands of visitors from across Ireland and overseas. Guinness has been supporting the festival for the last 25 years and it is a great fit for our brand with talent, passion and fun always on show.
“At Diageo we are committed to playing our part in helping to expand Northern Ireland’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector – the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival plays a key role in doing exactly that. We take great delight in seeing how the festival continues to evolve and special thanks must go to the bars, restaurants and hotels in Warrenpoint and the surrounding area for their help and continued support of Diageo and this event.”
Commenting on the 2024 programme, Event Director, Ian Sands added; “There is definitely something for everyone at the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival, as we combine top class international jazz and blues performers alongside Warrenpoint’s renowned restaurants and friendly hospitality hosts. Tourists coming to the event will be truly spoiled for choice, quality and top-notch blues music.”
The 25th International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival is supported by Diageo Northern Ireland; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and The Quays, Newry.
For festival information: www.bluesonthebay.com and Social Media Platforms