Atlantic Sessions announce virtual 2020 festival

This weekend, Causeway Coast and Glens Council–in association with Snow Water–will be bringing the Atlantic Sessions Virtual Festival to homes across Ireland. Artists have been filmed in stunning locations across Portstewart and Portrush during the last weeks, and we have three one hour ‘free to view’ programmes with exclusive performances, conversations, plus messages and videos from festival family and friends.

Artists featured include Anthony Toner, Conor Mason, Joel Harkin, Malojian, New Pagans, Peter O’Kane, Ports, previous Y&E Sessions alum Roe, Sasha Samara, The Darkling Air, Tour Alaska and the programmes are presented by Joe Lindsay.

Last year saw the largest and most successful Atlantic Sessions to date, with over 7000 people visiting Portstewart and Portrush to see over 100 musicians. Audiences travelled from right across Ireland to hear musicians play throughout the four days. However, this year Atlantic Sessions has been working in partnership with Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland in order to showcase local talent to a global audience, and are excited that for the first time the festival will be viewed across the world.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said of the festival: "Our Events programme has been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and it is very disappointing that we are unable to bring you Atlantic Sessions in its usual format this year. However we are delighted to launch our Virtual Festival featuring some of the finest musicians in the country, performing at some of our most stunning outdoor locations, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

"I hope that our virtual festival will still, in some, way bring people together and instil some joy at this difficult and uncertain time," he continued. "I would like to thank all our host venues and festival goers for their support over the years and for your understanding at this time."

Watch the trailer below, and watch the performances on the Atlantic Sessions website.