VIDEO: Virtual Atlantic Sessions this weekend

Artists have been filmed in stunning locations across Portstewart and Portrush during the last weeks, and the organisers have three one hour ‘free to view’ programmes with exclusive performances, conversations, plus messages and videos from festival family and friends.

Artists featured include Anthony Toner, Conor Mason, Joel Harkin, Malojian, New Pagans, Peter O’Kane, Ports, Roe, Sasha Samara, The Darkling Air, Tour Alaska and the programmes are presented by Joe Lindsay. They feature six of the NI Music Prize 2020 nominees, local performers, plus tell the story of the rich musical heritage of the area, all filmed by the incredible Atlantic Ocean.

Last year saw the largest and most successful Atlantic Sessions to date, with over 7000 people ascending on Portstewart and Portrush to see over 100 musicians. Audiences travelled from right across Ireland to hear musicians play throughout the four days. Restaurants, hotels, pubs, coffee shops, music venues and the Town Hall were packed with the festival attracting new customers for them.

Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody said: “Atlantic Sessions is an award-winning four day festival with an incredible reputation for its passionate support of local talent.”

However this year Atlantic Sessions has been working in partnership with Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland in order to showcase local talent to a global audience, and are excited that for the first time the festival will be viewed across the world.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said: “Our Events programme has been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and it is very disappointing that we are unable to bring you Atlantic Sessions in its usual format this year. However we are delighted to launch our Virtual Festival featuring some of the finest musicians in the country, performing at some of our most stunning outdoor locations, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. I hope that our virtual festival will still, in some, way bring people together and instill some joy at this difficult and uncertain time. I would like to thank all our host venues and festival goers for their support over the years and for your understanding at this time.”

Presenter Joe Lindsay commented: “We’ll miss seeing you this year and we miss live music as much as you do, but we thought we’d do the next best thing and Atlantic Sessions to your homes! We wanted us all to be together, we wanted to experience the power and beauty of music. Together. As we’ve always done. And we will do again. Until then, keep supporting local music and venues in any way you can.”

Snow Water Director Carolyn Mathers said: “Thank you to our dedicated audiences and venues for their support over the past years as they make the festival. We are excited that this year we can showcase Atlantic Sessions to viewers across the globe. You can continue to support your favourite local bands, singers, songwriters and musicians by buying their music and merchandise directly from their websites. Our creative community is precious and here’s to celebrating live music with you on the other side.

“We are delighted that some of the fabulous Taste Causeway providers have teamed up with us to offer some delicious treats for you to enjoy alongside Atlantic Sessions. Check them out at https://www.atlanticsessions.com/taste-causeway.php.”

Atlantic Sessions are free to view on November 13, 14 and 15 at 7pm to 8pm at atlanticsessions.com