At a Glance

Venues throughout Newtownards | 15 - 19 April 2026

Expect a jam-packed line-up of, blues, folk, rock, fingerstyle, jazz, and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across the borough!

The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026. This year the festival celebrates 30 YEARS - so expect our biggest celebration yet with 5 nights of show-stopping headline acts that you won't want to miss!

Festival highlights

Taking place from 15 - 19 April in venues across Newtownards, this year’s line-up promises a dynamic mix of guitar-inspired gigs, free fringe events, insightful conversations, and a photography exhibition bringing it back to where it all began - celebrating the skill of guitar makers with 'The Luthier's Tale'.
 
We open the festival strong on Wed 15 Apr with Internationally renowned guitar virtuoso, Pierre Bensusan as he celebrates 50 years of touring the world…
 
And we close the festival with a bang on Sun 19 Apr with the almighty, home-grown rock front man, Ricky Warwick for a festival finale with The Fighting Hearts.
 
But that’s not all, every night of the festival features a headline act at the Queen’s Hall from the likes of Andy McKee, Martin Taylor, a special ‘In the Round’ with Matt McGinn, Eilidh Patterson, and Anthony Toner, and a John Martyn Celebration with Ken Haddock and band.
 
Plus many, many more…

 

For full programme line-up and to book, CLICK HERE

 

Ards International Guitar Festival 2026 Gig Guide

 

 

Download the At a Glance Gig Guide

Want to hear more? Then listen to the Playlist here with music from artists at past festivals!

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