Summer of music for Derry, Donegal, Limavady and Strabane as major outdoor gigs and festivals planned

Some of the biggest artists from across Ireland and beyond will be arriving in the north west over the coming months to perform at Derry’s Ebrington Square, and at Clonmany, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Limavady and Strabane.

There are one off gigs and various festivals planned to cater for a diverse range of musical tastes.

There’s a lot to see and do right across the region and this is just a musical taster of the many, many events coming to a town, village or city near you over the next few months.

Derry

Events kick off this weekend with a free gig outside The Embankment restaurant at Ebrington hosted by Derry’s own Lavengro who will be performing a full set on Sunday, May 28 from 4pm. They will be followed on stage by We Love Sax. No tickets needed, just turn up.

Later this summer, Live at the Square Beyond The City will be bringing icons Ryan McMullan, Róisín O and Paper Tides to Ebrington Square for another major gig on Friday, August 25.

For tickets and info see: https://www.facebook.com/liveatthesq

Before this, Ebrington Square will see global dance artists take centre stage in an audio visual feast as Stack City Raves presents Multunes & Friends in a Notorious Brands production on Saturday, August 5.

The following day, direct from Sweden, Arrival will be taking to the stage at Ebrington and delivering renditions from Abba’s extensive back catalogue.

For more information and ticket info see the Connected Festival Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/connectedfestivalderry

Clonmany

The internationally acclaimed Clonmany Festival will be bringing a stellar line up of artists to the stage every night from Sunday August 6 to Sunday August 13. Ireland’s longest-runnning festival returns with its 54th edition featuring Gerry Guthrie, Michael English, Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter, Jimmy Buckley, Johnny Brady, Robert Mizzell, Clionagh Hagan and Sinead Black Music among many others.

Throughout the eight days there will be a whole series of events happening in the daytime to keep all the family entertained from cycling events, pet shows to treasure hunts and talent competitions.

For more information see: http://clonmanyfestival.com/

Buncrana

The two-day Buncrana Music Festival will return over Friday June 30 - Saturday to July 1 with Notorious Events Limited bringing A-class artists to the Shore Front. Acts confirmed include Scouting for Girls, Pa Sheehy, Hermitage Green, Saibh Skelly, Jake Bugg, Reevah and DJ Jason G.

For information on tickets and camping see: https://www.buncranamusicfestival.com/

Carndonagh

Four fantastic evenings of music are being lined up for Live in the Marquee 2023 in Carndonagh town centre from Thursday July 6 to Sunday July 9. Artists confirmed include Ryan Turner Band, David James, Inch Ramblers, Keltic Knights, Ceol, Shaunie Crampsey, Gerry Guthrie and Typhoon Generals. Other events and activities will be taking place during the afternoons for all the family.

For more information in the run up keep an eye on: https://www.facebook.com/visitcarn

Limavady

The Danny Boy Jazz & Blues festival is back in town in Limavady, from June 9 to 11. The fantastic festival, which is run by an entirely voluntary committee, has been going strong since 1997. Events will take place across venues in Limavady, and highlights include the Festival Launch Night at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Friday 9, to help raise further funds for the weekend’s events that follow featuring Clara Rose, Errol Walsh & Eileadh Patterson. Other highlights include the Danny Boy sessions over the weekend and Jazz In The Square at Drumceatt Square (at The Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre Limavady) from 12 noon on Saturday 10 among many more. For full programme see: https://dannyboyjazzandblues.com/

The multi-award winning Stendhal Festival is back for its 13th instalment this July 6 to 8 at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. Topping this years’ bill are a plethora of musical talents including The Wailers, Bell X1, Newton Faulkner, The Scratch, Cara Dillon, Turin Brakes and Yazz Ahmed. Stendhal will also be showcasing the very best and emerging Northern Irish talent and this year Ballymully Cottage Farm will play host to some home-grown acts. Joshua Burnside, Roe, Sasha Samara, Fya Fox, Winnie Ama, No Oil Paintings, Red Eye Pariah and loads more will be taking to the Stendhal stages.

Stendhal will also showcase some of the best emerging and new acts from The Republic of Ireland and this year Sprints, ModernLove, Crow Black Chicken, Overhead, the Albatross and more, join headliners Bell X1 and the Scratch in making the journey over the border. Stendhal debuts this year include; Manukahunney, Pinkslips, Claire Sands, Invaderband, Boy M5, Search Party, Tramp, Marion Hawkes, Cora Kelly, Emily McCormick, Polar Bolero, Edgy C and GG Carma and Baroda, so there will be ample opportunity to find your new favourite act at the festival this summer.

Dance and DJs are also on the agenda at the event with DJ sets from critically acclaimed ex-Portishead DJ Andy Smith and BBC 6 Music DJ the Fun Lovin’ Criminal himself, Huey Morgan.

For tickets and more information visit stendhalfestival.com

Strabane

It’s all happening in Strabane next month as the final plans are put in place for the Strabane Summer Jamm outdoor festival.

This year’s event takes place on June 17 with entertainment for all ages, from live music and arts and crafts to cute critters and BMX biking.

The entertainment will be spread across the town with plenty to do and see over the course of the day with special hubs at Castle Pl, Main St, Abercorn Sq and Railway Rd, with a funfair taking place at Canal Carpark from June 16.

For more visit www.derrystrabane.com/summerjamm