The Harmony Live festival is returning for another year, looking to combine big names with local acts in the Co Down town. Previously known as Holywood Harmony, the festival will kick off on Friday 1 June.
Taking place across three days, the bigger names on the line-up include Friday headliners English rockers Reef who will be joined by Toploader, famous of course for ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’. Boomtown Rats headline Saturday night, while Ryan McMullan leads a completely Northern Irish contingent including NI Music Prize Winner Joshua Burnside, Michael Kerr and Rebekah Fitch. Other local live highlights including The Wood Burning Savages, London based REWS and The Tragedy of Dr Hannigan fill out the Friday and Saturday nights.
A couple of weeks ago, the organisers hosted a special performance by Northern Ireland’s rising star Ryan McMullan in Garry’s Barber Shop, Holywood. Having gotten used to much bigger crowds, McMullan instead played here to a select few guests of the festival in a warm and intimate setting. Amidst a busy touring festival, the Portaferry songwriter gave a typically stunning performance, playing songs old and new. Switching between piano and guitar, he went through a full of set of tracks including ‘Oh Susannah’ and ‘A Winter’s Coat’ in the beautifully shot session
https://www.facebook.com/HolywoodHarmonyFestival/videos/1825220537772507/
In a climate where Northern Irish acts can often struggle to find a place on bigger festival line-ups, it’s hugely refreshing to see another line-up that can blend the bigger names with local talent. The ethos extends throughout the festival who are keen to benefit the local economy working with vendors and providers in the area. Tickets are on sale now, online at www.wegottickets.com or through Garry’s Barber Shop or Homebird in Holywood.
