CQAF 2025

The Bluebells Acoustic Trio

The Bluebells Acoustic Trio

The Black Box

Saturday 10 May, 8.00pm

£16.00

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With Support from The New Leaves.

The Bluebells enjoyed a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s with a recording output including three U.K. hit singles. “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello who became a mentor and teacher to the band.

Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) wrote instantly memorable classics  in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells’ essential troika and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count.

With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records ,the band toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire Records in the U.S.

Robert and the brothers parted company amicably in 1986 with Ken and David forming and releasing records as the McCluskey Brothers while  Robert concentrated on song writing duties for various other artists including Texas and the late Sinead O’Connor as well as his own group The Poems.

In 1993 when “Young at Heart” hit the U.K. No 1 spot following its use as a T.V. advert for Volkswagon the chaps met up for some fun Top of the Pops appearances.

The Bluebells are delighted to be playing again having recently received two premier Scottish Music Business Awards including “The Tartan Clef Award for Song Writing” at the star studded Nordoff –Robbins charity annual fund raiser at Glasgow Barrowlands.

Following the re-release of the Classic album repackaged “Sisters” album on the Last Night From Glasgow The Bluebells were encouraged by the label and fans to record new material which has manifested itself in the excellent new album “The Bluebells In The 21st Century” released in April 2023.

Bobby, Ken, and David are currently performing a variety of acoustic gigs as a three piece.

Tickets also available from:
Visit Belfast | 028 9024 6609
9 Donegall Square North - Open 7 days a Week

CQAF 2025 Earlybird Shows

Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble perform NESS

Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble perform NESS

The Deer's Head

Wednesday 7 May, 8.00pm

The Anthony Toner Songbook

David Hull Promotions & CQAF proudly present

The Anthony Toner Songbook

St. George's Church

Friday 9 May, 7.30pm & Saturday 10 May 2.00pm 

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The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Out To Lunch are annual festivals of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature which take place in January and May in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

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Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival / Out To Lunch Arts Festival
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