The festival will begin with what's set to be a phenomenal performance by the I Heart Bowie band, along with the Trinity Orchestra, in the National Concert Hall this evening (Monday, January 7).

The festival organisers have said: "Dublin Bowie Festival is proud to present a World Premiere performance of David Bowie’s epic Space Oddity, an album which introduced the world to Major Tom and rock n rolls fascination with outer space. Performed by the renowned I Heart Bowie band, The Trinity Orchestra and some very special guest vocalists, the concert will also see the performers venture into the Bowie universe for a selection of orchestrated songs, paying homage to the iconic Starmans beautifully crafted back catalogue."

This is only one of over three dozen events which will be happening throughout the week. Some of the highlights will include A Bowie Celebration at the Olympia Theatre, with performances from key Bowie alumni including Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Carmine Rojas & Gerry Leonard. There's also the Gifts To The Starman Exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitors' Centre, Bowie On Vinyl - Blackstar at Dublin's new vinyl bar The Big Romance, and much more.

For full details go to http://www.dublinbowiefestival.ie/