Ireland’s largest maritime celebration provides a platform for outstanding new musicians to reach super-sized audiences. Taking place in Drogheda Port (just 30 minutes from Dublin Airport) on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July, the Irish Maritime Festival attracts 40,000+ visitors over just one weekend.
In addition to all things maritime, plus fashion, beauty and food, the Festival features two live music stages. Experienced local music promoters, Tom Anderson (The Bagfull of Songs, Sarsfield’s of Drogheda) and Gerry Hodgers (The Purple Sessions at Boyle’s of Slane) each curate a festival stage. Between them, they have decades of experience in spotting new talent and cultivating acts.
Over 40 individual acts will perform across two stages over the weekend. These really are the cream of Ireland’s newest singers/songwriters and bands and a really exciting musical programme is promised.
The line-up for 2016 includes:
- Áine Cahill, who’ll be fresh from her gig at Glastonbury in late June. A native of Cavan, this young singer / songwriter is one of Ireland’s most exciting young performers.
- An Electric Picnic favourite, Davina Brady, who’ll play Drogheda ahead of her UK Tour.
- Local band Fuzz Gigolo are described as “A real “in it for the kicks” band that deliver original tunes that will have you rocking.” Their sound is likened to a mix of Deacon Blue and The Beautiful South with a twist of Ian Dury and Joe Cocker.
- North Dublin band Grace Wilde, are taking the music scene by storm. Writing all their own material, their style incorporates elements of jazz, blues, soul, folk and rock. They performed a fantastic set at YouBloom in LA, which has opened many more industry and media doors for this ensemble.
- Folk music lovers will adore Harry Holben and The Brothers Kane.
- The hauntingly beautiful tones of Gráinne Hunt will grace the Irish Maritime Festival stage as she performs her own original songs. Stunning in her own right, Grainne is a favourite of Mark Geary and Glen Hansard, both of whom love to duet with her.#Kate O’Callaghan, who received critical acclaim for her song “Hold Your Fire” performed as part of RTÉ’s commemoration of The 1916 Rising
And there truly is something for every taste: Trenchtown are a fabulous reggae ska band. Jack Sharrard and Rum Ham will play their finest Indi selection. Led Astray, Roundabout and Enemy Lines will play superb rock sets while Big Band Jazz and Blues will be performed by Scarecrow Hootnanny. Add in over a dozen more singer songwriters and you know you’ve got one hell of a line up for the weekend.
Check out the “Music at the Maritime” festival playlist on Spotify by visiting www.MaritimeFestival.ie/Music. There you will also find the full line-up and schedule for both stages. The playlist features a selection of the acts that will be taking to the stage over the weekend.
Admission to the Festival is €5.00 for adults, €4.00 for teens, students and senior citizens and €2.00 for children aged 3 to 16. Festival admission includes access to both live music stages all day and lots of food, fashion, beauty and maritime fun. Travelling to Drogheda by train? Check out www.IrishRail.ie for discounted festival fares. For more visit: www.MaritimeFestival.ie
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