Get tuned up for the Atlantic Sessions

From Thursday, October 28 to Sunday October 31, the borough will host a weekend of melodic revelry, contemporary and traditional folk music.

The Atlantic Sessions festival, will take place in Portrush and Portstewart, and will include Belfast artist, Brian Houston The event will also welcome, Canadian singer songwriter, Amelia Curran, accompanied by Canadian indie folk trio, 'The Once'.

Following on from the success of the 2008 and 2009 North Coast Folk Festival, organisers have re-launched the event as 'Atlantic Sessions', reflecting a broader programme of contemporary, indie and acoustic folk music.

During the four days, the newly named festival, will welcome renowned acts and new talent to pubs and restaurants in Portrush, Portstewart, Portballintrae and at the University of Ulster, Coleraine.

Amongst the varied line up for this year is Brian Houston, the Belfast artist will headline the festival on Friday 29 October in the Playhouse, Portrush.

Brian is a truly independent successful act who has been writing recording and releasing albums for many years.

He has consistently produced work of a standard that led to multiple UK, Irish and American tours, and has seen him work with names such as Van Morrison Elvis Costello, Nanci Griffith and Robert Plant. Brian has also recently introduced his new album called 'The Raw Sessions'.

Also 'heading the line up' this year is Canadian singer, Amelia Curran.

Amelia is an award winning songwriter from Newfoundland, with a number of East Coast Music Award nominations and a portfolio of well received albums, including War Brides (2006), Lullaby for Barflies (2002), Trip Down Little Road (2001), and Barricade (2000). A songwriter by trade, but a writer at heart, Amelia will be joined by popular Canadian folk trio 'The Once' during her headline performance at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Halloween night, Sunday 31 October.

18 folk acts will be taking part in the Folk Music Trail at venues including; The Anchor Complex, The Portstewart Arms and Cromore Halt.

The venues in Portrush are: The Springhill Bar and The Playhouse. Other venues hosting music over the weekend are The Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae, Crusoe's, Castlerock and the Senior Common Room at the Coleraine Campus of the University of Ulster.

Music lovers and entertainment seekers can take their pick of any of the free 'sessions' during the festival.

Peter Thompson, Tourism Development Manager at Coleraine Borough Council is eagerly awaiting this year's festival, he said; "The contemporary and traditional folk music genre is ideal as it has a broad appeal and can be adapted by artists in a number of ways.

"Some acts will be performing well-known favourites and others will be presenting folk with a fresh sound. It's great to see the festival develop as it provides a stage for new and established performers. We promise a weekend of top class entertainment for both local people and visitors to the area."

To complement an already jam packed festival programme, and to cater for the entire family, street theatre, fireworks and children's entertainment has been lined up by Coleraine Borough Council's Events Team to create fun family atmosphere on the North Coast.

For more details visit www.atlanticsessions.com.

By in large the festival is free, however, Amelia Curran and 'The Once' in Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased for 12 directly from Flowerfield, telephone, 7083 1400.

The Brian Houston event at the Playhouse is also ticket only. Tickets can be purchased for 10 from the Playhouse Box Office, telephone 7082 4435.