Fans from 32 countries to attend Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon

Hundreds of Rock ‘n Blues music fans from across the world are set to converge on Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2016 from this Thursday to Sunday. The Festival has become one of the major music events in Ireland and it’s not surprising that Rory Gallagher’s loyal fan base 21 years after his death are travelling in big numbers internationally to enjoy the 4 day event that boasts headline acts such as Wilko Johnson and his band, The Blockheads, and Band of Friends that includes Gallagher’s band members Gerry McAvoy and Ted McKenna with Dutch guitarist – Marcel Scherpenzeel.

 

The organisers of the award winning festival have reported that to date tickets for the festival have sold in 32 countries across the world and Its expected that over 7,500 visitors will attend the event that will host in excess of 25 music acts on 15 stages over 4 days. With weather experts forecasting weekend high temperatures the streets of Ballyshannon are set to come alive with Free open-air concerts, acoustic gigs are planned for the Rory Gallagher Statue that stands proudly in the town centre. Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon in 1948 where his late father – Danny Gallagher was employed at the time on the construction of the Cathleen Falls Hydro Power station. The family later moved to Derry City before settling in Cork where Rory Gallagher from an early age showed enthusiasm for Blues music.

 

Festival Chairperson Barry O’Neill said “we will have the biggest international audience in the 14 year history of the festival, there has been a constant demand for tickets since last September, with Rory’s loyal followers making the pilgrimage from countries as far away as Australia, Brazil, USA, Russia, Turkey and many more”.

 

He added “its a fantastic tribute to the Late Rory Gallagher but it underlines Rory’s worldwide following 21 years after his untimely passing. Accommodation has been booking heavily in recent months across South Donegal, There are very few artists that are remembered in this way but there is nobody more deserving of this than one of the greatest musicians of all time, Rory was the person who laid the foundations of the Irish Rock movement.

 

The list of acts that will perform at the Gala Concerts, Street Concerts and at venues throughout the town is endless, also appearing will be the Bernie Torme Band (ex. Gillan & Ozzy Osbourne Band), Laundromat (Holland), Dave McHugh Band (Dublin), local rockers – Moonchild, Gerry Quigley’s Shinkickers, Tony Dowler’s Hellhound’s (UK), Seamie O’Dowd Band, Pat McManus Band (ex. Mama’s Boy’s) and Johnny Gallagher & the Boxtie Band. Tickets for the nightly Big Top Concerts remain on sale at just €60 for all 3 nights with over 25 hours of Free Outdoor Street Concerts, Exhibitions and much more.

 

Festival Chairperson Barry O’Neill added that “this is without doubt one of the best line-ups – Rory Gallagher would be honoured and chuffed, we are expecting our biggest attendances ever, this will be one of the most significant tributes to Rory and without doubt the biggest Classic Rock and Rock Blues Music Festival on the island of Ireland in 2016”.

 

Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2016 takes place in Ballyshannon,

Co. Donegal, Ireland between Thursday 2nd June  and Sunday 5th June with all details available on the Official Festival Website  www.rorygallagherfestival.com

Email: roryfest@hotmail.com

Fans attending Rory Gallagher Festival 2015 Wilko Johnson & His Band are among the Headliners for Rory Gallagher Festival 2016

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