The Ards International Guitar Festival runs in Newtownards from April 15 to 19. Ards and North Down Council organises the event for its 30th year.

Pierre Bensusan performs at Queen’s Hall to open the festival. The French guitarist's show is part of his 50th anniversary world tour. He discusses his connection to the Lowden guitar brand onstage with George Lowden and Aaron Lowden.

Martin Taylor presents his solo show Standards. The jazz guitarist covers material from his six-decade career.

Andy McKee plays with support from David Browne Murray. McKee uses a percussive acoustic approach.

Ricky Warwick and The Fighting Hearts close the festival at Queen’s Hall. Warwick has performed with The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy. His album Blood Ties came out in 2025.

Ards Arts Centre hosts The Luthier’s Tale exhibition during the festival. The display shows work by Avalon guitar makers.

Festival Director Emily Crawford said the 2026 programme includes classical, jazz, blues, folk, contemporary and rock guitar music. She said it recognises artists, makers and audiences from the past three decades.

Tickets and programme details are at www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.