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Irish Independent

International stars and local legends to unite across multiple stages during New Ross Guitar Festival

The festival is set to ignite the town from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, with an array of musical performances that span genres from blues to classical to Irish rock music, while plans are also under way to expand the event to locations across Duncannon beach. This year's festival promises an unforgettable experience in the vibrant community of New Ross, with the support and sponsorship of Wexford County Council and taking centre stage are the Irish legends, The Hothouse Flowers. Fronted by the charismatic Liam Ó Maonlaí and Fiachna Ó Braonáin, the band is renowned for its unpredictable energy and raw musical power. Reminiscent of their days on Dublin's late-night dancefloors, The Hothouse Flowers blend a grand repertoire with spontaneous improvisation, promising to evoke deep emotional nostalgia and keep the audience rocking in the aisles. The New Ross Guitar Festival, which began in 2022, has quickly established itself as an exciting platform where Irish and international guitarists of the highest calibre come together to celebrate a wide array of guitar genres. With a vision to inspire a new generation to experience the benefits of playing a dynamic instrument, the festival continually develops its diverse line-up. Artistic Director, David Creevy, reflected on the three-year journey and said: "We are delighted with how the festival is evolving, with fresh programming and events that continue to celebrate diverse guitar styles while also offering more accessible experiences for all. The success of past festivals has only strengthened our committee's bond as we work together with the community to curate an experience that I believe is truly special, something I am incredibly proud of and grateful for." Also lined up for the event and equally as captivating as the Hothouse Flowers, is Grammy-nominated American blues pioneer Eric Bibb, whose signature fingerpicking and expressive vocals have earned him global recognition. With both folk and blues influences, Bibb's dynamic style defies simple categorization, inviting concert-goers on a journey of heartfelt storytelling as he reflects on both world events and personal experiences. Among the other featured performers is the internationally acclaimed Vera Danilina. Celebrated for her captivating stage presence, virtuosic talent and stunning tone, Vera has dazzled audiences at prestigious venues across Europe, Asia, and America. Her diverse repertoire showcases both her technical brilliance and profound musical sensitivity. In addition, an exclusive masterclass with Vera will provide four aspiring guitarists the unique chance to learn from her insights into technical and artistic challenges which is a rare opportunity for budding musicians. The Festival also welcomes back John Feeley who has been described by the Washington Post as "Ireland's leading classical guitarist." Feeley has captivated audiences worldwide with performances at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, L'Arena in Verona, and New York's Carnegie Hall. Performing in the more intimate setting of Killesk Church in Duncannon, Feeley will showcase the mastery that has earned him international acclaim. The haunting acoustics of the venue will beautifully capture his exquisite tone, promising an unforgettable evening. Local sounds come to the forefront with Kiss my Grass, a vibrant bluegrass and Americana band from Wexford. Their toe-tapping, foot-stomping performance in the new outdoor venue at Brennan's Lane in New Ross promises a refreshing twist on favourite tunes, making it the perfect free event for friends and families. Meanwhile, other destinations of the festival's concerts will be held in some of the area's most iconic venues, with performances in New Ross taking place at St. Michael's Theatre and St. Mary's Church. ADVERTISEMENT Not to be missed is the first-ever Busking on the Beach event at Wexford's kilometre-long Duncannon Beach, right under the shadow of its 16th-century fort, staged in collaboration with This free event, held on Sunday, July 20, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., will showcase musicians across genres, from classical and blues to bluegrass, trad, pop, rock, and country. Performances will be at three dedicated areas: Roche's Green, the Bass Rock, and near the beach apartments. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Duncannon Beach Market will feature a host of handcrafted gifts, while visitors to the village can also enjoy the inviting ambience of two pubs, two cafes, and a local shop. Adding to the Director's comments, local Councillor Brídín Murphy, Chair of the Festival, welcomed the festival's expansion: 'We're delighted to have such a strong line up for the guitar festival this year and very pleased to announce two additional free public events in the form of an open air concert featuring Kiss my Grass in the new public performing space at Brennans Lane, and the eagerly anticipated Busking on the Beach on Duncannon Strand which we are staging in collaboration with