Emerging in the late 80s Liverpool scene as first a producer, Ian founded the Lightning seeds initially as a solo project before they became a full-fledged touring band in 1994. Achieving instant success with debut album 鈥楥loudcuckooland鈥, Ian鈥檚 subsequent five decade spanning career, has brought with it numerous albums and singles which have charted in the UK, America and around the world, thousands of gigs and travels to all corners of the globe. This summer, this globe-trotting will bring Ian and the Lightning Seeds to Limavady, Co. Derry for the first time ever, when they headline the 15th anniversary edition of Stendhal Festival. The show is sandwiched between two other high-profile festival slots at the Isle of Wight Festival and Camp Bestival as another busy festival season for Ian is testament to how the music he has created remains a cultural touchstone in the UK soundscape. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a really good summer so far,鈥 Ian said, 鈥淚sle of Wight was great, it鈥檚 a bit of a trek to get there on the ferry but once that side of things was over and done with the gig itself was fantastic.” He added: “We鈥檝e done Blenheim Palace and a few other shows and so far, we have really been feeling the love. It鈥檚 hard to explain but not just the love from the audiences, it鈥檚 with us all on stage in the band and the overall vibe we are getting all over is one of overarching love. “Maybe it’s that Oasis are back this summer and Pulp are playing shows and bands from that era are on the scene again, but yeah there has been a lot of love and we are really enjoying the festival season so far. 鈥淚t feels great that the music is still resonating with audiences. That鈥檚 what you hope for as a songwriter. As much as you want to make a splash you hope that your stuff sticks around for a while too and thankfully that has been the case with Lightning Seeds.鈥 Throughout his career Ian has stepped foot on some of the most hallowed festival stages all over the world, from multiple appearances at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight, V Festival, Latitude, Down the Rabbit Hole (Holland) and loads more, meaning that they have played a special role in his life. 鈥淔estivals are pretty much a way of life for us now every summer, nobody tours anymore in the summer and they just go from one festival to another,鈥 he said. 鈥淔or me the worst part is the travel and then the waiting to get on stage because that is the best bit.鈥 Ian continued: 鈥淲e鈥檝e been very lucky in terms of festival highlights, I can point out the Mexico City gig we did, all the times we played Glastonbury in the sun and the rain. Festivals are seminal moments for people and for bands and I鈥檓 happy that those moments are still something we can take part in.鈥 While Ian and the Lightning seeds have never stepped on stage at a venue in Limavady before, they are no strangers to Northern Ireland, a place Ian has spoken about in previous interviews, saying he has a deep affinity with the country due to the people, their spirit and musical culture. 鈥淚鈥檝e said it before and I鈥檓 happy to say it again, I feel very much at home in Northern Ireland, the people and the music culture here I find so similar to what I grew up with in Liverpool. 鈥淭he people are fantastic and the way they are about music, it鈥檚 always around and everyone loves a singsong, it鈥檚 a fantastic place to come and play for audiences.鈥 Looking forward to the Headline Set at Stendhal Festival on July 5, Ian said festival goers can expect a memorable show, punctuated by all the big hitters he has crafted over his seven studio albums. From the big hits such as 鈥楶ure鈥, 鈥楲ucky You鈥 and 鈥楽ugar-coated Iceberg鈥, to some deep cut fan favourites like 鈥榃hat If鈥, Ian says fans of the band won鈥檛 be disappointed. 鈥淲e鈥檝e never been to Limavady before, but I have done a little bit of research on Stendhal and from the videos and pictures I鈥檝e seen it looks like a really lovely event and we are very much looking forward to performing there. We plan on the show being a celebration, so everyone can expect all the songs you know and a performance with a lot of love.鈥 With over 8 stages spread across the main arena, woodlands and Karma Valley, the Stendhal programme is packed with an amazing array of performances, art, workshops, and activities for all ages. The spectacular annual gathering is set at Ballymully Cottage Farm, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough area against the backdrop of breath-taking scenery off the famous Causeway Coastal Route, making it the quintessential destination for a memorable weekend. Among the acts joining the Lightning Seeds at the festival this year are Kate Nash, The Orb, Mr. Scruff, R铆oghnach Connolly, Fionn Regan, David Kitt, Lisa McHugh, John Francis Flynn, Junior Brother, Duke Special, Huartan, Paddy Nash, Deckie McLaughlin, Sprints, Mark McCabe and The Florentinas. Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds perform at Stendhal Festival, Limavady, on Saturday July 5. For more information visit www.stendhalfestival.com