Welcome

First held in August 2008, the Isle of Man & Manx Grand Prix "GuitarFest" was conceived as a long weekend of fantastic music for guitar lovers, featuring not only concerts but workshops and master-classes with top international stars. Scheduled to coincide with the end of the Manx Grand Prix, it's both a hit with residents and gives visiting race fans the chance to round off their stay on the Island with a feast of great live music. Naturally, non-bikeoholics are equally welcome to come and enjoy the atmosphere!

The inaugural GuitarFest saw Albert Lee and Juan Martin headlining the main events, which were held in the magnificent Gaiety Theatre in Douglas. Steve Gibbons opened the weekend's programme with his 'classic' band (P J Wright, Roger Inniss and Brendan Day, who played with him through the 80s and 90s) and the amazing Clive Carroll brought it to a close at Peel's Centenary Centre. Young virtuoso Michael Berk lent impressive support to Juan Martin and some of the Island's own, highly talented guitarists featured on each night. Juan, Albert and Clive all gave workshops during the weekend.

Guitar music embraces so many genres and playing styles, all with their own unique appeal. That's why we aim to offer an eclectic mix at GuitarFest, from rock, blues and folk to jazz, world and classical.

For 2009, we are delighted to welcome to the Isle of Man ... Pierre Bensusan, Gordon Giltrap, Gary Ryan, Rod Clements, Angelo Palladino, Michael Berk, Pete Smith & Roger Inniss, and Amrit Sond. Our headliners will generously be giving master-classes & workshops throughout the weekend, including one designed exclusively for bass guitar players, so come along, be inspired and meet fellow musicians.

Stay Tuned: For more information and updates relating to GuitarFest and other JonnoPromotions events, simply sign up for our RSS feed.
For Visitors: Travel packages are available from Isle of Man Breaks (see our Travel page).
Participating: If you sign up to the RSS you will be notified as soon as tickets are on sale, otherwise, check back during May 2009.
Kind thanks: We are most grateful to our major supporters: the Isle of Man Arts Council, Manx Radio MR+ and Manx Telecom. We are also grateful to the Manx Motor Cycle Club for giving us a 'piggyback' on their event! Finally, thanks to our other supporters you will see their logos on the side of this page and on our links page.

We really look forward to having you with us at the Isle of Man & Manx Grand Prix GuitarFest 2009!