When an email hits your inbox starting with the words ‘here comes the summer’ it’s hard not to gaze out into the rare Northern Irish sunshine and hum the chorus of The Undertones’ 1979 hit. That’s not a bad start to the day right there.
Then, you start to read and the excitement builds. The rumours of the Folk & Punk festival, the whisperings of something big happening in Bangor have all been true. Open House Festival are turning fifteen and like all snotty faced teenagers, they’re brimming with attitude, spit, swagger and embracing punk.
While Open House turns fifteen, the little seaside town of Bangor celebrates its four hundredth year. Throughout the month of August, Open House is hitting the seaside for a big summer holiday celebration. Whether Bangor makes it to 401 is anyone’s guess.
So far, acts announced include Midlake, The Staves, Lord Huron, The Undertones, Paul Brady, Farriers, Arco String Quartet and local heroes Kowalski. We’re expecting more names to be added so keep an eye on the Open House website for info and tickets.
You can also expect some film, theatre, art exhibitions and the usual caravan jams and vinyl sessions. Things are heating up at the seaside.
