The annual four-day tribute

festival to late blues player Rory Gallagher takes place in his birthplace of Ballyshannon over the weekend of May 29 - June 1.

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the highlights of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival this year include the Julian Sas Band and Sinnerboy and includes 32 performing acts from all corners of the globe.

Making a welcomed return are leading performers Sinnerboy led by Barry Barnes from Manchester, Defender from Scotland, Rikirock from Italy, The Loop from Germany, Dave McHugh Band from Dublin, Remember Rory (Germany), legendary local rockers Boxtie and Johnny Gallagher, Moonchild (Donegal) and making a return from Devon, England are Shinkicker, a band that are a must-see to believed featuring the electrifying guitarist, Chris Stuckey.

A person who shared the stage on occasion with Rory was Fermanagh-man Pat McManus, a former member of Mama's Boys and the Pat McManus Band will be playing amongst many of the open air concerts that will take place during the festival.

Two of Sligo's favourite sons will also be rocking the streets of Ballyshannon with Seamie O'Dowd and his band requiring no introduction to festival-goers. Seamie's passion and awesome rawness is refreshing for many Rory fans. Making his first appearance at the 2008 tribute is another Sligo-man, Tabby Callaghan who exploded onto the TV screens of millions of viewers in in 2004 when he made the final of the ITV programme X-Factor. Tabby will be the first to admit the influence that Rory Gallagher has had on his music.

Each year the tribute festival organisers strive to link many connections with Rory Gallagher and making a welcomed return is the Eamon McCormack Band, one of the last musicians to record with the G-man. Eamon McCormack has recently released his superb new album entitled Kindred Spirits.

On the blues front appearing at the festival will be the exquisite English blues guitarist, Peter Price, while the young and emerging talent is an aspect of music that Rory always recognised and Donegal rock three-piece Moonchild who have been making quite an impact in recent months will perform as will Slumming Angels from Kildare, The Deans from Galway, The Skins and many others at showcase events over the four days.

Further details on all aspects of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2008 from www.goingtomyhometown.com