An Arthur’s Day like no other; this year the rules have changed and you may just see some of the worlds leading musicians play in your local pub! Jack Squibb of The Daily Shift fills us in on the details.

Since Arthur Guinness reached the big 250 in 2009, Guinness have commemorated the founding father of the black stuff with gigs across the country each year. Drawing in big names like Snow Patrol, Scissor Sisters and others over the last two years this year looks set to be no different. With heavyweights in today’s music industry like Fatboy Slim, Texas, Ellie Goulding, Mika, Amy Macdonald, Professor Green and many more, Arthur’s day is set to be another day to remember.

Reminiscing on his previous performance, chart sensation Tinie Tempah said

I played Arthur’s Day back in 2010 so I know all about the magic of it. I’m honoured to be invited back to Ireland for 2012 and couldn’t be more excited about playing a pub gig for a small, surprised crowd! We’ll be kick starting the global celebrations in Ireland on September 27th – hope to see you all there!”

To add to the excitement of this years event there’s a twist that puts you in charge! This time you decide where the headliners perform with one small task, vote for your local pub. It’s as simple as that, the pubs with the most votes across the country will be rewarded with one of the many headlining artists. Surely it couldn’t get any better than the prospect of seeing Fatboy Slim playing in your local could it?

Well actually it can; this year there’s no need for tickets as it’ll all be free to enjoy the celebrations. So to do your part visit the Guinness Facebook page to vote for your favourite local pub now.

Texas at Arthur’s Day launch in the Guinness Brewery

Arthur’s Day is also an opportunity for Guinness to promote the Arthur Guinness Fund that was set up in 2009 which “is an innovative investment vehicle that supports the big ideas and the passion for community of social entrepreneurs, furthering the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness.

The Arthur Guinness Fund helps social entrepreneurs deliver measurable, transformational change to communities in Ireland and worldwide.”  This year, for every ‘check-in’ by people to the Arthur’s Day Facebook event, a €5 donation will be made to the Arthur Guinness Fund by Guinness. Check out details on how to RSVP and ‘check-in’ on the Guinness Ireland Facebook page.

Arthur’s Day is set to take place on 27th of September with over 500 pubs due to take part. Be sure to come back to The Daily Shift for the latest news on Arthur’s Day 2012.

*Lead Image Courtesy of Guinness