The ninth Hard Working Class Heroes festival launched last night with a gig featuring Belfast five-piece Morning Claws at Dublin’s Grand Social venue. Bands interested in playing this year’s event can submit their application via BreakingTunes.com from now until July 16th.

The festival – run by First Music Contactin conjunction with Wrong Tape Speed Productions – allows signed and unsigned bands to ply their wares for locals and international guests. There are also panel discussions, acoustic sets and a photography exhibition.

HWCH runs from October 6th-8th in the Button Factory, the Grand Social, the Mercantile, Shebeen Chic, Twisted Pepper and the Workman’s Club. Angela Dorgan of FMC said she was confident HWCH 2011 could build on last year’s success. “I think the successes of the past have ignited a flame in new Irish music that is only going to get brighter,” she said. “We’ve also been able to bring in international festival bookers thanks to Culture Ireland, and that makes a huge difference to spreading the Irish story abroad.” www.hwch.net