**Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody to Share the Stage in Bangor for a Unique Literary Event**
In an exciting fusion of music and literature, Snow Patrol’s lead singer Gary Lightbody is set to return to his roots this summer for a very special appearance in Bangor, County Down. Lightbody, acclaimed internationally for his band’s anthemic hits, is venturing into new territory with a hometown event that promises to blend song, story, and conversation during the renowned Open House Festival.
For many, Lightbody’s name conjures images of vast crowds and stadium concerts. However, his upcoming engagement in Bangor will see him step away from the packed arenas in favour of a much more personal setting. This time, he will be discussing his recently released book, *The Forest Is The Path*, published earlier this year in March. The event is sure to catch the attention of both bibliophiles and long-time Snow Patrol enthusiasts, offering an intimate insight into Lightbody’s journey as an author.
The Open House Festival itself is set to be a lively affair, comprising almost 100 distinct events scheduled throughout the month of August. Organisers anticipate approximately 50,000 visitors descending on Bangor this summer, with principal activities taking place at the iconic Bangor Castle Walled Garden and the Court House, a popular spot on the seafront. This year’s line-up exemplifies the diverse artistic energy the festival has become known for, drawing talent from across Ireland and beyond.
Lightbody’s event—scheduled for 26th and 27th August—will feature a live conversation with celebrated Irish author and broadcaster Sinead Gleeson. Festival organisers promise this will be a “very different and incredibly personal hometown appearance” for the Snow Patrol frontman, marking a highlight of the 2025 programme. The public will have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand how music and narrative intertwine in Lightbody’s new literary work.
Beyond Lightbody’s headline appearance, the festival boasts a rich selection of acts and speakers. Audiences can expect musical performances from acclaimed artists such as Lisa O’Neill and Mary Coughlan, along with folk duo Ye Vagabonds. Comedy fans will be treated to sets from Irish comedians including Paddy Raff, Chris Kent and Neil Delamere, highlighting the festival’s broad appeal.
Meanwhile, the Court House venue will also host distinctive acts, such as The Ocelots—twin brothers hailing from Wexford yet now based in Germany—and an eagerly anticipated visit from Northern Ireland Opera, who will deliver a special festival performance.
Literature is firmly in the spotlight, with a number of high-profile authors lined up to discuss their works. Former Labour cabinet minister Alan Johnson will delve into political history with his new book on Harold Wilson, crime author Chris Whitaker is set to talk about his best-selling thriller *All The Colours Of The Dark*, while American tech journalist Karen Hao will explore artificial intelligence in her book *Empire Of AI*.
Festival director Kieran Gilmore has emphasised the significance of this celebration for local creatives. He remarked, “This year’s festival showcases some of Bangor’s exceptional homegrown talent, performing in several of the city’s most storied locations.” Gilmore also highlighted diverse offerings, including an in-depth talk between *Blue Lights* writer Declan Lawn and writer Colin Bateman, and a local EP launch by King Cedar.
The summer programme officially gets underway on Friday, 4th July, with the ever-popular Pickie to Pier swimming race. Nevertheless, regular festival-goers may notice the absence of the Seaside Revival Vintage Festival this year, due to ongoing redevelopment along the seafront—a reminder of Bangor’s evolving landscape.
Tickets for all Open House Festival events are slated to go on sale from 10am on Friday, 6th June via the official festival website, www.openhousefestival.com. As anticipation builds, locals and visitors alike are looking forward to a season brimming with creativity, community, and unique cultural encounters—headlined, this year, by the homecoming of one of Bangor’s most celebrated sons.