Traditionally around this time of year, people around the UK and Ireland celebrate Harvest, a celebration of sorts giving thanks for a splendid year of produce and reaping what we’ve sown. No one’s ever claimed this should solely be for the fruits of the field and so with Harvest Music Festival, Ards Borough Council have established a one day showcase of the best of Irish Music from the last year with a little sprinkling of international hillbilly fun thrown in for good measure.
The inaugural festival takes place on Saturday 31st August which is this weekend and with tickets from only £20 and under 12’s going free it looks like a fun day out for the whole family. There’ll be arts and crafts workshops, food vendors, a bar, all in the beautiful grounds of Greyabbey House.
This is a special event in a very unique venue, combining great music with great all-round family entertainment and I look forward to welcoming the crowds to Greyabbey on Saturday 31 August.
Hugh Montgomery – Greyabbey House
Rising stars of the Irish music scene Villagers will headline Harvest Music Festival. Fronted by Dubliner Conor O’Brien they have been compared to and indeed shared a stage with the likes of Neil Young, Fleet Foxes and Tindersticks. Nominated for a Mercury Prize and an Ivor Novello award, the band has found time to tour their latest record ‘{Awayland}’ as well as contribute to projects with The Unthanks amongst others. Expect everything from beautifully stark acoustic tunes to lavish synth and string laden sounds.
Main support on the day comes from American rockers Hayseed Dixie, initially established as a bluegrass AC/DC cover band but now regarded as one of the world’s most fun, unpredictable, banjo plucking acts. With their trademark energetic live performances it’ll be hard not to stomp along to hits by the likes of Queen, Kiss, AC/DC and more.
Harvest Music Festival will also feature some hugely successful local acts who’ve been heaped with praise over the last number of years including Gareth Dunlop, Duke Special, Belfast Community Gospel Choir and Farriers. Tickets are selling fast so head on over to the website, get one now and we’ll see you down the front on Saturday.