Ballyshannon gearing up to host Rhythm & Blues Festival this October

The Ballyshannon Rhythm & Blues Festival has become a cornerstone of the town’s cultural calendar, drawing music lovers from across the country to enjoy the unique atmosphere and vibrant sounds

placeholder image — The Ballyshannon Rhythm & Blues Festival has become a cornerstone of the town’s cultural calendar, drawing music lovers from across the country to enjoy the unique atmosphere and vibrant sounds

The three-day event promises a packed line-up of local, national and international talent performing across the town’s bars and venues

Ballyshannon is gearing up for a weekend of music and entertainment as the Rhythm & Blues Festival returns from Friday to Sunday, October 24 to 26.

The three-day event promises a packed line-up of local, national and international talent performing across the town’s bars and venues.

Festivities kick off on Friday afternoon with performances from Peter Price Blues, Gerry Quigley’s Blues Jam, The Stingin’ Kings, and Juke Joint Blues, among others. As night falls, the energy ramps up with sets from Happy Inc Blues, Johnny Gallagher Band, Bourbon Smoke Band, Jack Austin Despy Band, Mr Castle Blues Band, and The Banshee Band.

Saturday offers another strong programme, beginning with daytime gigs from Mr Castle Blues Band, Lonesome Pete, The Rusty Jacks, Mark Black Band, Bourbon Smoke, and Coldshot Blues Band. The evening sees Gerry Quigley’s Blues Band, The Stingin’ Kings, Jack Austin Despy Band, Pat McManus Band, Mr. Castle Blues Band, and Blackthorn Blues take to the stage.

Sunday’s closing day features Juke Joint Blues Band, Happy Inc Blues Band, Gerry Quigley’s Mystic Blues, Ciaran Hodgins Band, The Stingin’ Kings, and Coldshot Blues Band during the afternoon. The festival then rounds off in style with Peter Price, Mark Black Band, Mr Castle Blues Band, Banshee Band, Jack Austin Despy Band, Seamo & The Shakers, and Heavy Duty Band.

A highlight of the weekend will be Dr Feelgood performing at the Rory Gallagher Theatre, Abbey Arts Centre, on Sunday evening at 7pm. They will be joined by support acts The Savage Hearts and The Shacks. Tickets for the theatre show are priced at €20 and are available through abbeycentre.ticketsolve.com.