Big names for guitar festival

Five days of guitar heaven is promised in Drogheda next week as the first Irish National Guitar Festival takes place in the town. It will run from 7th to 11th April with concerts, product clinics, master classes and performances from some of the world's greatest guitarists as well as demonstrations from the leading industry brands such as Marshall, Fender, Orange, Takamine, Martin and many more. The main event centre is Drogheda's new state of the art concert hall - The TLT, where Preston Reed, John Cruz, Freddie White, Andy Irvine, Ed Gerhard, Eduardo Niebla, Gareth Pearson, Jimmy Smyth, Steve Fairclough, and Pat McManus perform at nightly concerts. Paul Brady is also performing during the festival on the Wednesday evening at The TLT. The festival is aiming to attract a huge number of visitors to the town for the weekend, and the organisers in conjunction with Failte Ireland have secured fantastic accommodation rates with local hotels for the duration of the festival, with two nights bed and breakfast, evening meal and a complete festival pass for only €135 per person sharing. There will be a free minibus service running, ferrying visitors to and from the associated hotels and venues. For anybody interested in purchasing a new guitar or some new equipment, there will be some fantastic offers available. Festival goers can save 20 per cent off any equipment purchased during the festival! Day passes are priced are €8 for adults and €5 for under 16s and students. Concerts are priced €20, with a complete festival pass for only €50 which gives complete access to all concerts and events in The TLT from the Thursday evening to the Sunday evening. Rick O'Shea and the 2FM Roadcaster broadcast live from The TLT on the Friday afternoon. There will be loads of free stuff and the chance to talk live on air about your experience at the guitar festival. For more information on the festival lineup, travel, accommodation or ticket prices check out www.irishguitarfest.com.