Atlantic Sessions return

From November 13 to November 16, ‘the Ports’ will be alive with the sound of music as the Atlantic Sessions Music Festival returns to hotels, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops in Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Nov 2014, 10:00 BST

The music festival, organised by Coleraine Borough Council in partnership with local venues, celebrates the very best of musical talent in Northern Ireland with guest artists from Kilkenny and Glasgow as well as two visiting acts from America.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy commenting on the Festival said, “Coleraine Borough Council has invested in Atlantic Sessions over the last five years, building a sustainable event in conjunction with the hospitality trade. It is an excellent example of cooperation, whereby Council has created and enhanced the visitor experience and boosted business activity in what would normally be a quiet trading time.”

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There will be thirty nine live music acts performing at fifty gigs over the weekend, most of which are FREE. Back by popular demand are Festival favourites, The Ard Ri Band and The Hardchargers. Atlantic Sessions is delighted to introduce Hal McGonigle from Portstewart and welcome home Chris Keys and Hannah McPhillimy to add a local touch to the line-up of the festival.

Atlantic Sessions extends a special North Coast welcome to debutants: Blackbird Blue; Patrick Gardiner; Jamie Neish; Paul Casey; Luke Bannon; Hillspeak; Mere Moths; Travel is a Tourist; The Dandy Horses; and The Vals among others.

Ticketed showcase events feature the superb ‘The 4 of Us’ (supported by Brigid O’Neill) and Sons of Caliber in Concert. Ralph McLean makes a return presenting a show on the inimitable Johnny Cash and there’s The Sunday Brunch Session, a laid back occasion with many artists from the weekend’s line-up turning up to perform ‘in the round’. All these events will be at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart. Tickets are available to purchase from the venue, telephone 028 7083 1400 for details.

The Atlantic Sessions programme is now available from selected outlets and can be downloaded from www.atlanticsessions.com. Keep up to date with festival news on www.facebook.com/atlanticsessions and @atlanticsess on Twitter or visit the website www.atlantic sessions.com for further information. For details on accommodation and special rates for short breaks, contact Coleraine Visitor Information Centre on 028 7034 4723.

Related topics:PortsPortrushColeraineTravelNorthern Ireland