Tyrone acts among those taking to Stendhal stage

Tyrone’s bands have been announced to play alongside some big names at this year’s Stendhal Festival in Derry this summer.

Castlederg folksters, The Logues, and Strabane favourites, the Seeger Sessions, along with new band the Dead Goats – which features Omagh musician Mark McCausland – will join major acts like Heather Small, formerly of M People and Indie rock stars, Hot Chip, at the Drumsurn farm for a fantastic few days of music.

Some of the other acts include Brit Pop pioneers Gomez, electronic act The Orb, The Showhawk Duo, Pa Sheehy, 7-time All-Ireland champion harpist Lisa Canny, Indie standouts Skinny Living, Zulu Afrorave rapper Toya Delazy and a brand-new collaboration between Pat McManus (Mamas Boys) and Cormac Neeson (The Answer) called ‘When Ireland Rocked’.

Festival director, Ross Parkhill, says that after 14 years, it is becoming more and more difficult to top the line-up year-on-year, but is confident that 2024 will prove to be Stendhal’s best and most varied line-up to date.

“We are so pleased to announce all the acts that we have secured so far,” he said. “A lot of these acts have not only enjoyed major critical and chart success but they are also performers with some big tunes that can get everyone singing along and help manifest the very special atmosphere Stendhal has become renowned for.

“I’ve seen Hot Chip at several festivals over the years, and can personally attest to how they never fail to get an audience invested and on their feet,” Ross continued. “Heather Small is one of the most legendary female voices in British Music and in terms of cultural touchstones, for anyone who grew up in the dance scene in the ‘90s, the Orb will hold a very special place in their hearts.

“I’m also very much looking forward to Ben and Ian from Gomez doing their thing. But to be honest, I think the most exciting thing about this overall first announcement is the diversity in the genres and how hybrid genres like the acoustic rave of the Showhawk Duo or the Afrorave of Toya Delazy are becoming a genre in their own right,” he added.

“We still have a lot more acts to announce, the main body of our home-grown programme is still to come, as is our family and comedy programme.

Ross concluded, “To everyone who continues to support the festival, thank you for that continued support and we trust that this initial line-up gives you plenty to get excited about.”

For more information, or to buy tickets you can visit www.stendhalfestival.com.