The launch of the 8th Belfast City Blues Festival took place today at the Ramada Encore in Belfast. It's the brainchild of Seamus O'Neill and this year is supported by Bushmills, American Holidays, BCC, Sunday World, Ramada Encore and Lagan Boat Company with Michelle McTerney Management. There was copious tea coffee, Bushmills, bacon sarnies and pastries to help welcome us all!!
Jim McDowell was the MC in his own unique style!! He introduced Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Spence (DUP and 24 years young!!!!) who said that Belfast will host one festival per week for the summer and that the funding given to culture was £1.5 million.....money well spent.
Patrick Morgan (Sales) from Bushmills was very happy to collaborate with the festival and introduced the Bushmills Festival Marquee at Writers Square.
American Holidays was well represented with Karen telling us that there has been a strong relationship between Belfast and the Deep South. This is the third year they are supporting the festival and the first that they are sponsoring the Motown Sensations at St Georges on the Saturday. By the way it's the 25th anniversary of Anericsn Holidsys in Belfast.....happy birthday.
The main man Seamus then thanked us all and said that 95% of festival performers are from Belfast and that he's secured Johnny Max Band from Toronto. He also bigged up all the bar staff and punters and wants everyone to come and enjoy!!!
Playing us out was the singer Lee Hedley and the delightful Amanda St John.
The music is set, the venues are raring to go, lots of great food and drink, excellent marquee, the best people in the world.....all we need is the weather!!!!!
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