Snow Patrol frontman to perform home city gig with a difference
Snow Patrol frontman to perform home city gig with a difference
The event discussing his new book, The Forest Is The Path, is expected to be one of the star attractions of this summer's Open House Festival in Bangor, Co Down
Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody will perform in his home city this summer
(Image: Simon Lipman )
Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody will perform one of his first major gigs as an author, in his home town this summer.
The event discussing his new book, The Forest Is The Path, is expected to be one of the star attractions of this summer's Open House Festival in Bangor, Co Down.
The annual festival includes almost 100 events throughout August, and is expected to attract about 50,000 people to the city, with Bangor Castle Walled Garden and the Court House on the seafront as the focal venues.
Lightbody will be talking to Irish author and broadcaster Sinead Gleeson about his book The Forest Is The Path, which was published in March, in what has been billed as a "very different and incredibly personal hometown appearance", on August 26-27.
Among the other stars to appear at the Walled Garden are singers Lisa O'Neill and Mary Coughlan, folk duo Ye Vagabonds, and comedians Paddy Raff, Chris Kent and Neil Delamere.
Events at the Court House include The Ocelots, twin brothers from Wexford now based in Germany, and a special festival performance by Northern Ireland Opera.
Article continues below
Among the other author events scheduled, former Labour cabinet member Alan Johnson will talk about his new book, Harold Wilson, Chris Whitaker will be discussing his international best-selling novel All The Colours Of The Dark, and American writer Karen Hao will be talking about her new book Empire Of AI.
Open House director Kieran Gilmore said the festival puts a spotlight on Bangor's creative talent.
"This year's festival has some of our finest local artists performing in iconic venues throughout the city," he said.
Article continues below
"From an interview with Gary Lightbody about his new book, to a conversation between Declan Lawn, Bafta-winning writer of Blue Lights, and local author Colin Bateman, to an intimate launch of a new EP by King Cedar, we're bringing around 100 events across a whole range of art forms."
The Open House summer season gets under way on Friday July 4, with the annual Pickie to Pier swimming race, although the Seaside Revival Vintage Festival will not take place this year because of development work on the sea front.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday June 6 at www.openhousefestival.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Maura Higgins replaced on Love Island USA as new presenter unveiled
Former Love Island star Maura Higgins previously hosted the USA's version of Aftersun but she won't be back for another year Maura Higgins has been replaced on Love Island USA as a new presenter has been unveiled. The Irish star who found fame on the show herself, was previously working as the host of the US Aftersun but it has now been reported that she won't be returning to the role. Maura was also the social media host of the show as well but it's been said that she won't be back as a result of conflicting schedules. She will be relaced by Sophie Monk who is already familiar with how Love Island works due to being the host of the Australian version. It's though that Maura hasn't been axed but is instead focusing on other projects instead. Some fans think that she could come back for to host Aftersun for the second season of Love Island Games which films in Fiji later this year. The Sun reported that a source said: "She wasn't able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments, but she will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run." The news was shared via the Love Island Instagram account. Alongside a photo, the caption said: "Welcome Sophie Monk to the Aftersun family!" Main host Ariana Madix commented: "You guys have no idea how much i'm dying over this." However, fans of the show were quick to notice that Maura wouldn't be back. One viewer commented: "Oh no! What happened?!" But another then said she is taking part in the next series of The Traitors instead, writing: "She's going to be on traitors. She's back for love island games." This comes after Maura came under fire for sharing a kiss with McFly star Danny Jones at the BRIT Awards. The duo were filmed kissing at an after party before heading onto the five-star Nobu Hotel in London for more drinks. Danny went on to address the situation in a grovelling apology shared on social media when his wife temporarily moved out of the family home to spend time with her friends and "get away". In a statement, the singer said: "Hello everyone, sorry it's taken me a while to post this but I've taken some time out to be with those closest to me. "I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we'll continue to deal with this privately. I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny." The Mirror have contacted Maura's reps for comment.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
More ScotRail services for TRNSMT demanded after chaotic travel scenes last year
Tens of thousands of revellers are expected to attend the three-day music event in July. ScotRail have been urged to put on additional services for TRNSMT after trains were axed following the festival finale last year. The Scottish Greens have called on the national rail service to ensure festival goers get home safely from the event at Glasgow Green next month. Tens of thousands of revellers are expected to attend the three-day music event in July, with the likes of 50 Cent, Fontaines D.C., Biffy Clyro and Glasgow DJ's Big Miz and Hayley Zalazzi on the lineup. Scottish Greens co-leader and MSP for Glasgow Patrick Harvie said: 'At previous events with such large crowds, the East End of the city becomes totally blocked off for transport and pedestrians, with many waiting hours for taxis or risking walking home in the dark. 'People going out to enjoy festivals, gigs and other events around our city deserve to get home safely and having a reliable late night train service can offer that. I strongly urge them to do so. 'If ScotRail were to run additional train services over that weekend, and later into the night, it would provide a safe, cheaper and climate friendly option to get home from TRNSMT for thousands of people.' Last year, thousands of revellers were told by transport chiefs that there would be no services on the final day of the event. Punters were told by ScotRail that it was only running as an emergency service. Ticketholders were told to find an alternative route home. At the time, dozens of concerned parents contacted the Record after it became clear that many of their loved ones wouldn't be able to get home from the festival unless they left early. One said: 'My son's first festival age 16 and going to miss acts after 8.30 due to trains. So gutted for him.' Another added: ' Shocking especially when travelling from Edinburgh.' Meanwhile, Irish rap group Kneecap were recently axed from the line up of the music festival amid safety fears. The trio made up of Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ Ó Dochartaigh (aDJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), are no longer set to play Glasgow Green on Friday, July 11 due to concerns over the safety of the event. Police Scotland had previously said the performance at Glasgow Green in July would require "a significant policing operation". The decision came after a member of the Irish language group being charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig. Kneecap were also criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Maura Higgins replaced on Love Island USA spin-off as stunning new host is revealed
NO MAUR Maura Higgins replaced on Love Island USA spin-off as stunning new host is revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAURA HIGGINS has been replaced as the presenter of Love Island USA spin off Aftersun. The Irish beauty hosted the sister show, which airs on streaming service Peacock in the US, for its fifth season last year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Maura Higgins will not be presenting Love Island USA's spin off Aftersun this year Credit: Getty 5 Maura fronted the sister show last season Credit: Getty 5 Sophie Monk will step in to replace her Credit: Getty Maura, 34, was also the social media presenter for the US version of the dating show. But now she has been replaced by Sophie Monk, who will be familiar to Love Island fans as she hosts the Australian version of the show. It is understood that Maura has not been axed however, and the shake-up is due to scheduling conflicts. An insider teased: "She wasn't able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments, but she will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run." While it's not confirmed, one fan theory is that she is believed to be filming the US version of The Traitors, following in the footsteps of fellow Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. It is thought that she may return to host Aftersun for the second season of Love Island Games, which films later this year in Fiji. The cast for the next series of The Traitors USA has yet to be officially confirmed. The Love Island shake-up news was announced last night via an instagram post on the show's official account. Alongside a posed snap of a beaming sofa, the caption read: "Welcome Sophie Monk to the Aftersun family!" Main show host Ariana Madix, who found fame on Vanderpump Rules, shared her excitement over the new hire. "You guys have no idea how much i'm dying over this." Fans were quick to ask where Maura was. Maura Higgins Scandal: A Kiss That Shook Reality TV "Oh no! What happened?!" one worried follower wrote. But another reassured them, replying: "She's going to be on traitors. She's back for love island games." Maura is yet to make any official comment herself on social media. The Sun has contacted a rep for Maura for comment. 5 It is understood that Maura cannot take part as she is filming the Traitors USA Credit: Instagram 5 Sophie also fronts the Aussie version of Love Island Credit: Getty It's certainly been a tricky year for the star, who hails from County Longford, Ireland. Back in February, she faced a huge backlash after she was snapped sharing a drunken kiss with McFly's Danny Jones at a Brits after party. The pair grew close after starring on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! last November. And while Danny has patched things up with wife Georgia and issued a grovelling apology, Maura has not publicly commented on the scandal.
