The popular Festival, now in its 7th year, will take place at the Foyle Arts Building from Thursday, August 21, to Sunday, August 24.

The Festival brings together some of the world’s finest guitarists and guest musicians to lead a packed programme of performances and classes for guitarists and composers of all levels. Non-playing music-lovers have the opportunity to enjoy public concerts performed by the guest artists in six concerts featuring music from the 1600s to the present day.

This year’s artistic team includes acclaimed musicians Carlos Bonell, Graham Devine, Nigel North, Sean Woods, Rick Graham and Mark McKnight. Composer Frank Lyons will also present a parallel education programme for composers with a special visit from Ian Wilson. The theme of this year’s festival will be a celebration of the outstanding legacy of guitarist Julian Bream.

Sean Woods, Artistic Director, said: “During a concert career spanning over 60 years Bream was responsible for commissioning many works which now form the cornerstone of the guitar repertoire. Alongside this, he almost single-handedly inspired the revival of the Renaissance lute and his ensemble, the Julian Bream Concert, was key in reawakening interest in early music in the 1960’s. “

All concerts, with the exception of a ‘Guitar Fiesta’ in the Bound for Boston Bar, will take place in the Recital Room in the Foyle Arts Building, Magee campus. As seating capacity is limited, advance booking is strongly advised.

Concert tickets, priced £3 to £8, can be booked from the UU Cultural Development Office on: 71. 375456. Places for the educational programme and workshops can be booked by contacting the City of Derry Guitar Festival on: 71. 375550.

For further Festival details visit: www.myspace.com/cityofderryguitarfestival and: www.cityofderryguitarfestival.com