The Irish Maritime Festival takes place in Drogheda Port from June 9-11 and music is more important than ever this year.

Two of the festival's more established music stages will once again return this year. The Ballast Quay stage from Boyle's of Slane will feature some fantastic up-and-coming bands and singer-songwriters, while The Living Room by Sarsfield's will play host to a number of DJs - including a Daft Punk cover band - in its chilled indoor setting.

In addition, the Droichead Arts Centre has this year introduced the now sold out “The Stowaway Sessions” - live acoustic gigs on the deck of one of the magnificent Tall Ships at the festival. The brainchild of Collette Farrell of the Droichead Arts Centre, the Stowaway Sessions feature two acoustic gigs on the deck of The Earl of Pembroke Tall Ship. Heathers play Friday night with special guests The Carolan Brothers while Saturday night will see the legendary Steve Wickham play, supported by Kern.

For more info on the Maritime Festival visit maritimefestival.ie