The Galway International Arts Festival is drawing ever closer, and we're pretty excited about it.
The return of the festival means that The Absolut Big Top will once again be in full swing, with both international and home-grown acts.
Located smack bang in the middle of Galway city, you'll never be too far away from mad craic and great tunes.
Here's who we think you should make a special effort to see in that MASSIVE tent over the course of the festival ...
Suede
This is sure to be a special one! Suede make their festival debut at The Absolut Big Top with special guests The Frank and Walters. Suede were the big hitters in Brit-rock throughout the 90s, and have three UK number 1 albums under their belt. Without them, Blur pretty much wouldn't exist - just sayin'.
Suede play The Absolut Big Top on July 23rd, and tickets are €45.
Imelda May & Damien Dempsey
Imelda May brings her rockabilly stylings to The Absolut Big Top, with special guest Damien Dempsey.
May has performed internationally on the 'Tonight with Jay Leno' show, and made anappearance at the 52nd Grammy Awards with Jeff Beck. Expect a super-tight performance from this lady with the larger-than- life voice!
The pair are also no strangers to collaborating, so expect a a hugely energetic performance from both artists.
Imelda May and Damien Dempsey play The Absolut Big Top on July 21st, and tickets are €39.50.
Villagers
Ivor Novello winner Villagers play the Big Top with Meteor Music Award Mick Flannery. Villagers recently popped into Anton for a session, and received a massive reaction with their version of Wichita Lineman. Rumour has it Mick will be joining Anton in studio next week, so stay tuned for that ... Two serious songwriters taking to the tent, that's for sure!
Villagers and Mick Flannery play The Absolut Big Top July 19th, and tickets are €33.50.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Elvis Costello and The Imposters will be joined by special guests The Undertones at The Absolut Big Top during the festival. Costello has been on the trot for 35 years, so it's safe to say he's a seasoned performer.
Elvis Costello and The Imposters, plus The Undertones, play The Absolut Big Top on July 15th, and tickets are €49.50.
Bell X1
Another cracking gig in the Big Top – Bell X1 return to Galway, with special guests TheAcademic. The lads are practically Big Top veterans, delivering one of the most memorable performances of the festival in 2011. They’ll have bucket loads of material to perform - both old and new - as they shape up to release their seventh album next year!
Bell X1 plus special guests The Academic play the Absolut Big Top on July 16th, and tickets are €35.
So we'll see you at The Absolut Big Top!
The Galway International Arts Festival takes place from July 11th to July 24th.
Stay tuned to TodayFM for more details!
