The well-established 7 Hills Blues Fest returned to Armagh City this past weekend, attended by thousands of blues fans. From Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August, the city celebrated the sounds of blues and roots music, featuring over 40 free gigs across 15 venues.
The festival kicked off on Friday with a lively lunchtime performance at the bandstand. Saturday saw the city centre come to life with free street entertainment, face painting, balloon modelling and the popular Food Heartland Artisan Market at the Shambles Yard. With blues performances taking place throughout the city bars, restaurants and eateries across the weekend.
This year saw an impressive lineup of local and international blues artists and bands, drawing large crowds. Highlights of this year’s line-up included Crow Black Chicken, Eric Bell Trio and Rob Strong & Band, alongside returning favourites Led Hedley and local acts Villiers and the Villains, Courtnay Giffin, The Dirt and Freedom 35s.
Reflecting on the event, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Councillor Mary O’Dowd said:
“We celebrated music and culture with an unforgettable weekend in Armagh for the 7 Hills Blues Fest. The city buzzed with world-class blues, rhythm, and roots music in unbeatable venues, creating a festival atmosphere throughout Armagh. The festival not only showcased our city’s charm but also attracted visitors from near and far, providing a welcome boost for local businesses. It was particularly wonderful to see families enjoying the wide range of free entertainment on offer across the city centre, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.”
The 7 Hills Blues Fest once again proved to be a highlight of Armagh’s cultural calendar. Looking ahead, visitors can enjoy more flagship events including the Armagh Food & Cider Weekend from 3 to 6 September at venues across the borough, followed by the popular Georgian Festival from 26 to 29 November.
To book tickets or find out more information about events and activities taking place across the area head to visitarmagh.com
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