Bangor City Unveils Over 40 Free Music Gigs for Blues & Jazz Week

This bank holiday weekend, Bangor will host over 40 free music gigs as part of the inaugural Open House Festival’s Blues & Jazz Week. Supported by the Ards and North Down Borough Council and Beamish, this event marks a significant addition to the city’s cultural calendar, promising an exciting array of performances throughout the city centre.

Eight bars across Bangor will participate in the festival’s free music trail, featuring a diverse lineup of artists. Among the notable acts are blues guitarist Willie Byrne, the Linley Hamilton Jazz Trio, and the Frank Carberry Blues Band. In addition to the free events, the festival includes 15 ticketed concerts in the Walled Garden and the Court House, showcasing renowned performers such as Dana Masters, Mary Coughlan, Grainne Duffy, and Otis and the Elevators.

Reviving a Musical Legacy

The Open House Festival aims to celebrate Bangor’s rich musical heritage. Festival director Kieran Gilmore remarked on the city’s historical significance in the blues genre, noting that legendary guitarist Gary Moore played some of his earliest shows there. He also highlighted that iconic musician Rory Gallagher practiced his craft in the area during his formative years. “Jenny Watts’ Sunday Jazz sessions are the longest running in the country, and we thought it was time to roll this much-loved genre out to other venues in the city,” Gilmore stated.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, expressed her enthusiasm for the new festival addition, stating, “The addition of a Blues & Jazz week to the Open House programme this August has added an extra soulful dimension to Bangor. It is music to my ears, as I am sure it will be for many others, with the free trail providing so much quality live music in the city.”

Festival Details and Engagement

Festival-goers can explore the full schedule of both the free Blues & Jazz trail and the ticketed events at www.openhousefestival.com. For those looking to stay updated on the latest happenings, Belfast Live Social on TikTok will feature food reviews, concert announcements, and engaging vox-pops, ensuring that followers have access to essential Northern Ireland-centric news.

With the free music trail and a robust lineup of ticketed performances, this weekend’s festival offers an exceptional opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds of blues and jazz, reinforcing Bangor’s status as a cultural hub in Northern Ireland.