Villagers to headline Festival

The popular Irish band will bring its sense of stark spiritual curiosity, wonder and illumination mixed with a playful joy to the Harvest music stage, using layers of surprising instrumentation that include more full-sounding string arrangements and dreamy, shapeshifting percussion.

Fronted by Conor O’Brien, who has been nominated for a Mercury Prize, won an Ivor Novello Award, shared the stage with artists like Neil Young, Tindersticks and Fleet Foxes, and contributed to A Harbour of Songs, a record and project curated by The Unthanks pianist, producer and arranger Adrian McNally, the band is sure to deliver a memorable show.

The Harvest music stage will also showcase a range of established, as well as up and coming performers, including Hayseed Dixie, Duke Special, Gareth Dunlop, Belfast Community Gospel Choir and Farriers, with the mystery headline act still to be announced, while an enchanted garden will entertain and amaze children and adults alike.

A bazaar area will be specially created for this novel new event, including a festival bar, food avenue and craft village, with magic shows, circus skills, and face painting for kids.

The family friendly music festival is the centre-piece of Ards Borough Council’s 1613 event programme, which marks the 400th anniversary of the area first receiving a Royal Charter.

Tickets are on sale now from www.ards-council.gov.uk/What-s-On/Harvest-Music-Festival