The annual Ards International Guitar Festival returns next month for its 30th year.
Running from April 15 to 19, the Ards and North Down Borough Council-run festival will once again bring together musicians and artists from Ireland and across the world to celebrate the versatility and global influence of the guitar.
The 2026 programme will open with with an event featuring French virtuoso Pierre Bensusan at the Queen’s Hall.
Known as ‘Mister DADGAD’, Bensusan is a previous recipient of the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Returning as part of his 50th anniversary world tour, he will be joined by George and Aaron Lowden for an on‑stage conversation exploring the origins of his longstanding relationship with the Lowden guitar brand.
Audiences can also look forward to a tribute concert dedicated to the late John Martyn by Belfast’s own Ken Haddock and his band, which includes Colm McClean on guitar and John McCullough on keyboards.
Read more: Guitars owned by late guitarist John Martyn could fetch up to £50,000 at auction
They will delve into Martyn’s catalogue, from timeless favourites such as May You Never and Solid Air to some of his more experimental and rarely‑performed works.
Also appearing at this year’s festival is Martin Taylor, returning with his brand‑new solo show, Standards.
Described by Jeff Beck as “the best guitarist in the world” and hailed by Pat Metheny as “one of the most awesome solo guitar players in history,” this multi‑award‑winning (including the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award) fingerstyle virtuoso brings an evening dedicated to the golden age of jazz, with support from Andrew Toman.
Closing the festival at the Queen’s Hall will be one of last year’s highlights, Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts.
“It’s always extra special for me to play my hometown,” says Warwick, the Almighty and Thin Lizzy frontman whose most recent release is the critically acclaimed 2025 solo album Blood Ties.
“I’m delighted to bring The Fighting Hearts to the 30th anniversary festival.”
Guitar fans can also look forward to performances by Andy McKee, David Browne Murray, Matthew McAllister with the Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland, The Frank Carbery Blues Band, a special ‘in the round’ with Matt McGinn, Eilidh Patterson and Anthony Toner, and more.
This year’s festival will also include The Luthier’s Tale, a special exhibition at Ards Arts Centre exploring the artistry of guitar-building.
Read more: Lowden Guitars to receive Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Staged to mark 30 years of the Ards International Guitar Festival and in recognition of Newtownards’ guitar-making heritage, it honours the makers of Lowden and Avalon through a behind-the-scenes look at their craft.
“We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating such a special anniversary this year,” says festival director Emily Crawford.
“The 2026 line‑up offers an eclectic mix of styles, from classical to folk, blues, contemporary and rock, reflecting the remarkable range of the instrument and its players with some special nods to the history and legacy of the past 30 years.”
Tickets and full programme details via ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.