ARDS International Guitar Festival will return to Newtownards in April, celebrating 30 years of world-class performances.
Organised by Ards and North Down Council, the event will take place on April 15-19 welcoming performers from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
The milestone year opens with French virtuoso Pierre Bensusan, a recipient of the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, who appears 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 powerful tribute to the late John Martyn, delivered by Belfast’s Ken Haddock and his band.
Haddock, a revered songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, will delve into Martyn’s remarkable catalogue, from timeless favourites such as May You Never and Solid Air to some of the artist’s 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,’ the multi-award-winning fingerstyle virtuoso brings an evening dedicated to the golden age of jazz.
Closing the festival at the Queen’s Hall will be Ricky Warwick and The Fighting Hearts.
Best known for his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy, Warwick remains one of British rock’s most enduring voices. Fresh from the success of his critically acclaimed 2025 album Blood Ties, he returns to Newtownards with a full band line-up.
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 series of Free Fringe Events and more.
The Luthier’s Tale, a special exhibition at Ards Arts Centre, will explore the artistry of guitar building, honouring the makers of Lowden and Avalon through a behind-the-scenes look at their craft.
Mayor Gillian McCollum said the guitar has always held a special place in Newtownards’ cultural life, and it is ‘wonderful to see the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary’.
Festival director Emily Crawford added: “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating such a special anniversary this year.
“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.”
The Ards International Guitar Festival runs from April 15 to 19. Tickets and full programme details are available at www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.
