Video: Carnmoney musician Gary is ‘Guitar Star’

Gary Lutton was the overall winner of Guitar Star, which was televised on the Sky Arts channel.

The 23-year-old former Belfast High School pupil beat off stiff competition from hundreds of other guitarists who had applied for the show.

He came out on top in the final show in the series, which was filmed at the Latitude music festival in Suffolk.

“It felt amazing to win Guitar Star,” he said. “There were so many other guitarists who were on the top of their game throughout the competition, so I am very happy to have won.”

His success in the live head-to-head final at the festival earned him the right to play the main stage - an experience he’ll never forget.

And after winning such a prestigious award, there will certainly be new doors opening for the young man from Newtownabbey.

“Hopefully there will be further opportunities for me to now perform in front of audiences, because as a solo instrumental guitar player, you don’t usually get the chance to perform in front of larger audiences,” he added.

Gary, who started playing guitar at the age of 11, is currently in the final stages of completing his part-time masters degree in music at the Ulster University campus at Magee.

The talented guitarist has also been helping to nurture other players, as he teaches guitar at both the Ulster College of Music and Belfast Metropolitan College at Millfield.

Gary has received help and advice from a number of musicians, and wishes to thank Thomas Leeb and Mike Dawes who have offered him support and encouragement throughout his progression in music.