WINGING HER WAY WEST Wallis Bird.
Brand new music festival Saltwater has just announced the schedule for the three-day festival, set to take place on the grounds of Westport House on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. The last of the new acts have also been announced, joining headliners Dermot Kennedy, The Coronas and Johnny Marr.
Set to become a highlight of the Irish festival calendar, Saltwater, is the brainchild of the people behind Sea Sessions, and it will showcase top International and Irish talent with over 50 acts playing across three stages.
Dermot Kennedy kicks off the first day of the festival on Friday, May 29. Also playing that day are Hudson Taylor, Lyra, Jerry Fish, Somebody’s Child, Bitch Falcon, Fish Go Deep, Ultan Conlon, ZASKA, Classic Yellow, The Clockworks and Danny Mac.
With an extraordinary career that has seen him shoot to global fame, Dermot Kennedy is known around the world for such hits as ‘Outnumbered’, ‘Power Over Me’ and ‘Glory’. His music touches people’s hearts, and his set promises to be one of the defining moments of the festival.
The Coronas will keep the festival feels going on Saturday, May 30, when Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), Maverick Sabre, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Norman Jay MBE, Little Hours, The Pale, Thanks Brother, New Valley Wolves, LUZ, Coda, Aran McMahon, Sundown and Graham Sweeney will also keep things rocking. The Coronas look set to have a busy summer again having just released a new single with a new album on the way.
Johnny Marr will brings the festival to a triumphant close on the Sunday, May 31. Also slated to perform that date are The Stranglers, Wallis Bird, The Scratch, Crazy P Sound System, Join Me In The Pines, Sam Duckworth, Wild Front, Joanne Keegan, The Wha, Paddy Dennehy, Uppbeat and Between Roads.
The legendary Johnny Marr needs little introduction, having spent nearly four decades in the music business as both a guitarist in The Smiths and as a celebrated solo artist. The rock icon’s set is not to be missed, and is sure to be jam packed with his greatest hits and fan favourites from his vast back catalogue.
One of the first festivals of the summer, Saltwater is envisaged as ‘an expression of life on Ireland’s rugged and wild Atlantic coast’. Celebrating music, food, culture and the rich heritage of Westport, the festival will bring together like-minded people from home and abroad who want to feel the taste of salt in the air as they appreciate the best Ireland has to offer.
Commenting on the upcoming shenanigans, festival director Ray O’Donoghue said: “We’re actually really happy with how the lineup turned out. Who wouldn’t be with the likes of Dermot Kennedy and Johnny Marr?
“We’re also thrilled to announce The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow Stage and The Saltshaker stage that will host cooking demos by local and international chefs. There’s also a nice DJ stage where you’ll be able to listen to the likes of international acts Crazy P & Norman Jay. We actually can’t wait until May 29!”
Known as one of the most beautiful stately homes in Ireland, Westport House has a great tradition of hosting some of the world’s top artists, and this year is set to be no different.
Day and weekend tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and on www.ticketmaster.ie. Check out www.saltwater.ie for more details.