About

The Ards International Guitar Festival takes place annually in Newtownards, Co. Down with a programme of guitar inspired gigs, free fringe events, guitar clinics with industry professionals and exhibitions!

Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across Northern Ireland!

The festival takes place each April, so for updates and to make sure you never miss out, make sure to subscribe to our Email Newsletter, or follow the festival on Facebook

Full programme line up and tickets for the 2025 festival will launch on Thursday 20 February from 12 noon!

Ards International Guitar Festival Lifetime Achievement Award

Every year Ards International Guitar Festival will choose someone to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their work with the guitar. The very first award was presented in 1999. 

  • 1999   -           Norman Watson
  • 2000   -           Davey Graham
  • 2001   -           Henry McCullough
  • 2002   -           John Renbourn
  • 2003   -           Louis Stewart
  • 2004   -           John Martyn
  • 2005   -           Arty McGlynn
  • 2006   -           Martin Simpson
  • 2007   -           Eric Bell
  • 2008   -           Gordon Giltrap
  • 2009   -           Pat McManus
  • 2010   -           Gerry Donahue
  • 2011   -           Carlos Bonell
  • 2012   -           Martin Taylor
  • 2013   -           Preston Reed
  • 2014   -           Pierre Bensusan
  • 2016   -           Martin Carthy
  • 2017   -           Sarah McQuaid
  • 2018   -           The 4 of Us
  • 2019   -           Simon McBride          
  • 2021   -           Ronnie Greer
  • 2022   -           Jon Gomm
  • 2023   -           George Lowden
  • 2024   -           Grainne Duffy

So, who will receive the coveted award this year???

The 4 of Us receiving Ards International Guitar Festival Lifetime Achievement Award