Bangor will host the 13th Open House Festival from August 1 to 31. Organisers expect 50,000 visitors to attend the 50 announced events at venues including the Walled Garden stage and the Court House.

Performers include Irish musician Lisa Hannigan, comedian Deirdre O'Kane, indie folk trio The Staves, and Swedish singer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth. Additional acts feature Donegal sisters The Henry Girls, Irish singer-songwriter Luka Bloom, Bangor-Yorkshire band Skinny Living, and local group The Florentinas.

Comedians Neil Delamere and Emer Maguire join the lineup. Literary events include authors Andrew Lownie, Sally Hayden, and Gina Goldhammer.

Other events cover a Court House music residency with jazz singer Madi McCullough, a photography exhibition by Bangor artist Rachel McCarthy, a DJ set by Pete Snodden, and the Celtic Soul gig on Bank Holiday Monday in the Walled Garden.

Free Picnic in the Park series runs every Sunday afternoon in July and August at Ward Park. Acts include Wasted Talent, 19th Street Band, Anna's Number, and Queen tribute band Queen Magic.

Open House director Kieran Gilmore stated the festival launched earlier this year to offer people something positive amid challenges. He noted support from audiences, local arts, and business communities sustains the event.

Ards and North Down Borough Council backs the festival. A council representative said the programme spans music, comedy, literature, art, food, and drink across Bangor sites to draw visitors and aid the local economy.

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, called the programme world-class and suitable for all tastes.