Oldest and largest annual guitar festival begins its 24th year in Wirral from the 4th November

The 24th International Guitar Festival of Great Britain opens in Wirral from the 4th November running through to the 30th November. The oldest and largest annual guitar festival illuminates the breadth and scope of the guitar, highlighting its importance within every musical genre.

Featured artists this year include Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, Bellowhead, Phil Manzanera, Martin Taylor’s Gypsy Journey, Tony Remy & The Blues Experience and classical guitarist Xuefei Yang as well as the Katona Twins and the Impossible Gentlemen featuring the incredible Mike Walker and Mercury Prize nominated pianist, Gwilym Simcock.

The series of workshops at this year's Festival cater for every talent; whether you’re a master of the fretboard or strumming your first chords these will cover all of the essential tips and tricks you need to take your guitar playing to the next level. Workshops include masterclasses from American blues legend Catfish Keith and bluesman Woody Mann, as well as two guitar maintenance sessions run by instrument Specialists KGB. Additionally industry experts will run discussions on "Doing it Yourself in the Music Industry" and "Making Money from Your Music" as part of Six String Saturday, a day of free music.

This year the festival not only includes some amazing world class artists but also spotlights the vibrant musical youth within Wirral in a special concert featuring the Wirral Schools Jazz Orchestra and guitar virtuosi, Esmond Selwyn.

Details:

Venue: various across Wirral with concerts at The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead, the 12th Century Birkenhead Priory and the Mersey Ferry Terminal at Woodside.

Dates: 4-30 November 2011

For tickets contact the Floral Pavilion Box Office on 0151 666 0000

Details of the concerts and workshops can be found at www.bestguitarfest.com