SINGING THE BLUES.. One of the acts who played last year’s Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues Festival.
Members of the Limavady Big Band entertaining during the Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues Festival.
JAZZ and blues lovers will be making their way to Dunfanaghy next weekend for the ninth annual Jazz and Blues festival. From the 8th to the 11th of September, more than 30 bands and artists will be performing free live gigs across ten venues in the picturesque seaside village.
Since the inaugural festival in 2006, Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues has gone from strength to strength and has established a reputation as one of Donegal’s foremost musical events. People from across Ireland are expected to descend on the coastal town for what is being tipped as the best festival yet. Some of the bands taking part are among the most sought after and appearing over the course of the event. The Henry Girls from Inishowen will open this year’s festival on September 8th along with well-known Letterkenny musician Ted Ponsonby – the organising committee are delighted that this event is actually already sold out.
Over the course of the weekend other top names appearing in bars and venues around the seaside village will include, The Saxxy Duo, The Euphonics, Portobello, The Ukulele All Stars, Inishowen Gospel Choir and the Limavady Big Band.
Not only will this year’s festival provide an amazing line up of incredible musical entertainment it will also be in aid of some very worthwhile causes. Donations can be made throughout the festival to this year’s chosen causes, Pieta House, Creeslough Day Centre and Dunfanaghy Scouts. This year’s event has been made possible thanks to the support of main sponsor, Fintan Moloney and Company. Mr Moloney is well-known throughout Donegal for his involvement with the arts in the county.
Funding has also been received from Donegal County Council through their Diaspora initiative while Failte Ireland have also contributed to the five day event. The information kiosk will be in The Square again this year to provide information on the festival and the Sheephaven Bay area. It will have information on other events happening during the year and you might be able to find another great excuse to return to the picturesque village.
Merchandise will also be on sale at Muck n Muffins and The Dunfanaghy Workhouse which will not only give you a long-term reminder of a great event but will also help to support future events.This year, the festival team have also teamed up with local St Michael’s GAA Club who have kindly agreed to allow their grounds and facilities for camping over the full jazz and blues weekend.
Anyone wishing to avail of the facilities can book online through the Jazz and Blues website. The cost will be just €10 per night. To see the full line-up, check out www.dunfanaghyjazzandblues.com
SPONSORED CONTENT BY DUNFANAGHY JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL