The stage is set and the streets are ready as 7 Hills Blues Fest returns to Armagh City from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, promising a weekend packed with live music, family fun, and local flavour.
With over 40 free gigs across 15 venues, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to follow the Blues Trek – a musical trail through Armagh’s historic streets, venues, and open-air spaces. From lunchtime bandstand sessions to late-night blues jams, the city will be alive with sound.
Expect performances from some of the biggest names in blues and roots, including Rob Strong Band, Clara Rose, Crow Black Chicken, and the Pat McManus Band. Rising stars like Banshee (2024 Buskfest winners) and 17-year-old guitar prodigy Zac Mac will also take to the stage, alongside a strong line-up of local talent such as Villiers and the Villains, Courtnay Giffin, and Freedom 35s.
Throughout the weekend, students from MD Rafferty Music School will be busking at various city centre locations, adding a fresh, youthful energy to the festival atmosphere.
Saturday 2 August is set to be a standout day in the 7 Hills Blues Fest calendar, offering a full programme of activities for all ages across Armagh City including:
- Artisan Market (11am–4pm): Taking place at The Shambles, the market will feature a wide range of artisan stalls offering tasty treats and handcrafted goods from Ballydown Milk, Nice Buns, Wild Shore, Taylor Wood Craft and much more.
- Street Food on Market Street (11am-5pm): Enjoy sweet and savoury treats from J’s Donuts, Simply Crêpes, and McDonald’s Ice Cream.
- Live Entertainment (10.30am-5pm): Walkabout performances from the Sally Sod Trio and Steampunks, plus a full schedule of live music throughout the city.
- Art on the Rails (11am-5pm): An open-air exhibition of original works by members of Armagh Art Club.
- Family Fun (Throughout the day): Face painting and balloon modelling will add a fun, musical twist for younger visitors.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray said:
“7 Hills Blues Fest is a celebration of everything that makes Armagh special – its music, its people, and its vibrant city centre. It’s a weekend that brings us all together, welcoming visitors from near and far to experience the unique charm of our city. From the soulful sounds echoing through our streets to the artisan stalls and family-friendly fun, this festival showcases the very best of Armagh’s cultural heartbeat. I encourage everyone to come along, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something truly special.”
Please note that Market Street will be closed to traffic from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 2 August, from the junction of Thomas Street through to the junction of Russell Street, to accommodate festival activities and ensure pedestrian safety.
For the full line-up and event times see visitarmagh.com/7hills
