The Lost Brothers, Catfish Keith, Frank & Vinny, Preston Reed, Guy Pratt, Roland Dyens and The Emerald Armada are among the confirmed names for this year's shredding showcase.

Taking place over five days, the festival offers gigs, free fringe concerts, guitar clinics, tours of the Avalon Guitar factory and much more besides.

‘'This year's Ards International Guitar Festival is tuning up to be one of the most eclectic in the events 17 year history," says Festival Director Emily Walsh. "There are lots of guitar based events happening over 5 days at the end of September and we're particularly excited to welcome International acts such as Roland Dyens on the classical guitar, bottleneck slide guitarist Catfish Keith and New York jazz virtuoso Frank Vignola. With the Avalon factory tours back on the programme and our biggest selection of guitar clinics to date, there is something for everyone”.

Further details are available from [link]ardsguitarfestival.co.uk[/link]. Programmes and tickets are available by contacting Ards Arts Centre on 028 91810803.