Workshops, Tours & More

This unique tour provides visitors with an insight to the production line of the hand crafted guitar. The guide will take you through the various sections of the factory demonstrating the step by step processes, from timber preparation to the stringing and tuning of the infamous Avalon guitar.

Three tours have been arranged which are free of charge - advance booking is essential!

This is a workshop for guitarists of all genres and abilities who wish to be introduced to some of the rudiments of the flamenco guitar.

Whether you are interested in going on to study flamenco yourself, or whether you would like to enrich your playing in other styles with some elements of flamenco, this insight into one of the great European folk traditions promises to be an eye and ear opener.

Working on right and left hand technique, learning new chords, songs, drills and exercises. Bring a voice recorder (no video), a guitar and lots of questions.

Go to www.flatpik.com and in the free downloads, print some tab and music paper.

Formed a band? Got your first set nailed? Now is the time to get seen on the scene!

This 3 hour mega workshop with OhYeah will help kick-start your ambitions to 'Make It In Music'! Get advice with tried and tested solutions that have already helped others get a foothold in the music industry & self-promotion.

• Promote your band: through the power of online; social media, websites, photos, video & offline; press & radio.
• Raise your profile: get more fans, make connections, network!
• Get gigs: getting the promoters & venues you want, gaining support slots, establishing potential opportunities in upcoming events.
• Blogging & Press Packs: promoting yourself to & talking to the right people!

Every year Ards International Guitar Festival will choose someone to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their work with the guitar. The very first award was presented in 1999.

Past Victors...

• 2010: Gerry Donahue
• 2009: Pat McManus
• 2008: Gordon Giltrap
• 2007: Eric Bell
• 2006: Martin Simpson
• 2005: Arty McGlynn
• 2004: John Martyn
• 2003: Louis Stewart
• 2002: John Renbourn
• 2001: Henry McCullough
• 2000: Davey Graham
• 1999: Norman Watson

The search is on for the Young Guitarist of the Year!

Compositions can be original, cover versions or re-arrangements performed on electric or acoustic guitar. Entrants have the option to sing though not a must. Judgement is based on composition and technique.

This year's winner will receive a prize to the value of £500 courtesy of Matchett's Music, Belfast and the chance to open the Weekend Wind Down, Sunday 2nd October, at the Ards International Guitar Festival.

Entries must be received by is Friday 17th September 2011. Submit your entry online by sending your youtube videolink or by post to the Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Sq., Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP (T: +44 (0)28 9181 0803).

4 finalists will be selected. 3 by our panel of judge, 1 through the people's choice.

The 4 finalists will perform publicly on Wednesday 28th September at Molly Brown's, 9pm.

We want to see as many people down supporting the event and the performers as possible! Molly Brown's will have drinks promos going on and entry is FREE!

Some Call It Murder
In a nutshell: Post Hardcore / Metalcore band from Newtownards
Members: Reece Corr - Vocals, Tony Cromie - Guitar, Sam Hawe - Guitar, Conor Bush - Bass, Connor Scott - Drums

As I Breathe
In a nutshell: Small Hardcore band from a small town with big hopes & hearts dedicated to achieving and surpassing their potential. Unique blend of genres & awesome stage antics guaranteed.
Members: David Harvey - Clean/Scream Vox, Jake Goldsack - Drums, Christopher Gill - Guitar/Clean Vox, Darren McSorley - Guitar/Clean Vox, Joel McMordie - Bass

Arkham
In a nutshell: Deathcore band, with members hailing from Bangor & Belfast. Combine heavy & melodic elements from bands like Chelsea Grin & Gojira. Expect to hear a fairly interesting sound...
Members: Jason Edwards - Vocals, Jacob Keenan-Livingstone - Guitar, Ben McKeen - Guitar, Jonny Daly - Drums

Ossia Music at The Ivy Bar
Ossia Music has developed a range of services for bands and musicians, including general advice and mentoring, PR, plugging, digital distribution and gigging opportunities for up and coming young bands. You can see Oasis's work in action over Friday nights in September 2011, when The Ivy Bar plays host to an awesome display of the cream of local music talent. Get in touch, have a chat and see what we can do for you.
W: www.ossiamusicschool.com

David McCann
A Bangor based singer songwriter with a sweet voice and a great touch on his guitar, well worth the listen.

Stevie Amos
A wonderful singer songwriter whose lyricism and wit will win you over from the first bar.

Cedric Has a Name
Lo-fi sounding songs reminiscent of Elliott Smith and Sean Lennon with a soft delivery in his voice that...sounds almost like a breath for air.