You certainly can’t accuse the folk behind Arthur’s Day of being predictable – since it launched in 2009, this worldwide celebration of history’s best-loved brewer has taken a myriad of forms, eventually shape-shifting to include live gigs in all 32 counties of Ireland.

In 2013, Arthur’s Day will host, along with a handful of ticketed events, more than 500 free music events in Irish pubs, and, for the first time, over 1000 showcase events in the areas of music, arts, food and sport, as part of the brand’s new creative and cultural initiative, Arthur Guinness Projects.
Having cozied up to the likes of Kasabian, Tom Jones, Primal Scream and Mumford and Sons in intimate settings over the past five years, team Hot Press is delirah and excirah to see what superstars will turn up in our local watering holes this year – with longstanding legends (Bobby Womack) riff-wrangling rockers (Biffy Clyro, Manic Street Preachers), international chart-toppers (The Script, Emeli Sandé), pop music innovators (Janelle Monae) homegrown globetrotters (Kodaline, James Vincent McMorrow) and local live favourites (The Original Rudeboys, Girl Band, Bouts, Ham Sandwich) all gracing the bill, we can’t go far wrong!
Some of the aforementioned acts will also perform at five ticketed music events, which will take place in pubs across Belfast, Dublin, Limerick and Cork, with proceeds going to the Arthur Guinness Projects.
As usual, The Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate Brewery is a very special place to be on September 26, when it will be transformed into a cultural hub, showcasing Ireland’s talent and creativity across the music, art, food and sport.
And, of course, Ireland will be joined in our celebrations by millions of music lovers across Europe, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Caribbean and Australia!
There’s only one question left to answer; where will you be spending your Arthur’s Day?

Arthur’s Day events will take place all over the country on September 26. Visit guinness.com for full listings. Tickets for the five venue shows, priced €10, are on sale at ticketmaster.ie now.

The Line-Up So Far...
The Script
Emeli Sandé
Bobby Womack
Janelle Monae
Manic Street Preachers
Biffy Clyro
James Vincent McMorrow
Kodaline
The Original Rudeboys
Girl Band
Bouts
Ham Sandwich