The festival, which runs from Thursday, September 3, to Sunday, September 6, will feature internationally acclaimed guitarists Gordon Giltrap, Pierre Bensusan, Gary Ryan, Rod Clements and Angelo Palladino and The Skeleton Crew. Visiting support acts for the weekend are Michael Berk, Pete Smith and Roger Inniss and Amrit Sond.

And local support will come in the shape of Walter Ego, at the Angelo Palladino gig on the first night.

Gigs will be held at both the Centenary Centre, in Peel, and the Gaiety Theatre, in Douglas.

GuitarFest has been organised by JonnoPromotions, with support from the Arts Council and Visit Isle of Man and in association with Manx Radio.
The festival will play host to some masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday, presented in association with Peter Norris Music.

Some of the visiting guitarists will run the classes, which will be held at the South Douglas Old Friends' Association, in Finch Road, Douglas, on Saturday, and at Peter Norris Music, also in Finch Road, on Sunday.

Guitarists taking part include Pierre Bensusan, Gary Ryan, Rod Clements, Roger Inniss and Gordon Giltrap. Subjects range from tunings, to slide and composition.

There will only be a number of masterclass tickets available and they will be sold through www.eTickets.im

New for 2009 will be the Manx Telecom Acoustic Stage in the Villa Marina Arcade, on which a range of local acoustic/electro acoustic guitarists will play for the public free of charge on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons of GuitarFest.

It is expected that Friday afternoon's slots will be filled by young guitarists recommended by their music teachers.

The Saturday and Sunday afternoon will be a combination of local guitarists/guitar acts selected by JonnoPromotions and recommendations. Contact Jonno on acousticstage@manx.net if you are interested in playing at GuitarFest!

Each afternoon on the Manx Telecom Acoustic Stage will be rounded off by a performance from one of the visiting support acts.

GuitarFest tickets will be available online from www.villagaiety.com for the Gaiety Theatre concerts only.

Concession, festival, family and Centenary Centre tickets are only available by calling the ticket hotline on 694555 or in person at the Welcome Centre, Sea Terminal Building, Douglas or the Villa Marina and Gaiety Box offices. Concessions available.

www.iomguitarfest.com

www.mgpguitarfest.com