Clonakilty is an award winning, seaside town in the heart of West Cork, Ireland that is well known for its music scene, thanks in no small part to the Hendrix Experience’s  Noel Redding, who called the small town home for 27 years. His presence can still be felt in the town, and so for the last 12 years it has been hosting the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, which was founded by musicians and music lovers who were directly influenced by Redding. The festival, which is run by a non-profit, volunteer organization of music lovers who try to make most of the performances entirely free and accessible to as many people as possible, will take place September 15^th – 18^th  in pubs, libraries, campervans, churches, beaches and butcher shops all across the town.

Some of the festival’s lineup has already been announced, including Ray Davis’ favorite guitar-man, Clonakilty native Bill Shanley. Brett Newski, who collaborated with the Violent Femmes, Dream Wife, an Icelandic/British “girl power” group, and afro-beat, deep-funk group Soothsayers will also be performing. Watch out for a full line-up, to be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the festival click here. The official twitter page can be found here.