Villagers to headline Music City events in Derry

This will be the fourth year of the festival which attracts thousands of music fans to the Walled City for seven days of performances across the the city’s squares, neighbourhoods, venues, shops, pubs and clubs.

VILLAGERS will play at the opening night concert at The Glassworks on Monday July 4, a former 19th Century church that will also host concerts by Mercury Music Prize Nominee and Choice Music Prize winner, SOAK supported by Saint Sister on Friday July 8 and American trad sensations, The Willis Clan on Saturday July 9.

Cultùrlann Ui Chanàin will be the venue for the internationally acclaimed Girls Names on Thursday July 7 while THE STRYPES headline a mammoth rock gig in the city’s historic Guildhall on Saturday July 9 alongside Exmagician, Wood Burning Savages and The Bonnevilles.

Two of Ireland’s finest songwriters David Kitt and Malojian will play at St Augustine’s Church, a hidden gem on Derry’s Walls on Wednesday July 9 while instrumental Dublin rockers, Overhead the Albatross, known for their intricate yet powerful melodies and energetic stage presence and R.S.A.G, one of the most innovative and astonishing Irish musicians around make the journey north for the festival.

Internationally renowned pianist Ruth McGinley, who has just released her latest album Reconnection will perform a special concert at The Playhouse on Sunday July 10 with one of the finest trumpet players of his generation, Niall O’Sullivan. The saxophonist Gerard McChrystal returns to Music City 2016 for his fourth annual world tour of Derry, playing in a range of community and city centre settings.

Coinciding with Foyle Maritime Festival, some of Ireland’s finest bands, musicians and singer-songwriters will perform on stages in some of the main streets and squares including Guildhall Square and The Craft Village over the weekend of July 8 – 10. Silences, Best Boy Grip, Our Krypton Son, Beauty Sleep, Eve Belle, The Clameens, Paddy Nash and The Happy Enchiladas, Strength and Triggerman are among the 130+ artists that will perform at the various concerts throughout the seven days of Music City 2016

Derry’s choral tradition is showcased throughout the festival on the main outdoor stages while the historic Walls will feature performances from pipe bands, flute bands and trad musicians. Music City Busking Competition returns to the city centre streets on Saturday July 9 with a £1500 prize fund including £1000 for Best Act.

Bars including Masons, The Grand Central and Bennigans will host late night shows from some of Ireland’s finest acts including Bitch Falcon, Swords and Rainy Boy Sleep while the city’s main shopping centre, Foyleside, gets in on the act with performances throughout the centre across the weekend.

The majority of events at Music City are free of charge and family friendly. Tickets for the various Music City 2016 headline concerts are on sale now at The Millennium Forum Box Office and online at wegottickets.com. A limited number of Access All Events tickets are available priced £45. Music City 2016 is supported by Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Northern Ireland, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Community Foundation NI Acorn Fund. For more info, check the festival website, www.musiccityderry.com