Former festival favourites riding the waves back to the festival this year are Knotty Pine, Molly Hicks, Little Ass Birds, Bending the Strings and Desert Aces. New kids on the scene Mikey And The Scallywags from Galway will bring a homegrown vibe to the festival. The band also showed their brand of gypsy and folk-infused bluegrass at last year’s Electric Picnic.
The Guinness International Bluegrass Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running bluegrass festivals. In its 16 years, over 150 acts have appeared and over 1,000 gigs have taken place at the festival.
“The Dunmore Festival has evolved to bring together a fusion of country, rhythm, roots, new grass and blues. Because the festival is free and has such an eclectic line-up over three days it makes it open to everyone, not just hardened bluegrass fans,” said festival founder Mick Daly.
“Coupled with the great headline acts, you have the stunning vista from Dunmore East Harbour, award winning restaurants and pubs, fringe entertainment throughout the village and, of course, some of the best musical entertainment for free!”
The festival kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, August 25 at the Haven Hotel and will feature a wide selection of bands, playing 50 free gigs in Dunmore East’s pubs, restaurants and hotels.