Open House is open for business

August in Northern Ireland means it's Open House Festival time in the seaside town of Bangor. This year's is bigger than ever with acts like Iron and Wine.

The beginning of August means only one thing for fans of music, arts, good food, craft beers and lovely people in Northern Ireland – it’s time for Open House Festival to once again take over the seaside town of Bangor, Co. Down.

Open House Festival has been around in various guises for many years and this is the fourth year of the Bangor festival. It’s already bigger and better than ever before with over 120 events taking place in 40 different venues.

This year’s festival features literary and comedy icons, local talent and international stars as well as 26 food and drink events to mark Tourism NI Year of Food and Drink.

Of course, at Folk and Tumble, we’re all about the music and this is where Open House has excelled over the years. Bangor will play host to The Damned this year and there will be plenty for folk fans as well with the likes of Ports, Spirit Family Reunion and the wonderful combo of Sam Beam (Iron and Wine) and Jesca Hoop to look forward to.

Some events have already sold out but there are still tickets available for shows and plenty of free events for all the family.

Festival Director Kieran Gilmore has this to say:

This festival has made the people of Bangor proud of their town again. They want to be a part of it; they’re proud to say ‘look what we have here, look where we live – isn’t it great!’ The sense of ownership the festival brings is very real, and extremely contagious. We can’t wait!

Well, the wait is over. Let us know what you’re planning on visiting at Open House Festival this month and keep an eye out here for interviews and reviews throughout the month.