Open House Festival

Oh look, another festival in Belfast…
Sometimes it annoys me that we have so many festivals, but then, when you look at it, each of them brings something worthwhile to the city, so I shouldn’t’ really moan.
This festival brings a more bluesy, country and traditional music to Belfast, and while none of those genres particularly excite me, it’s great to see them being catered for.
Plus, this year they got Mumford and Sons and Wilco, both of whom I love, so it’s a very enthusiastic 4 stars from me!

I remember this festival being advertised when I started college this time last year and this time around I’m planning on taking advantage of all the great acts on offer.
I just SOL’ed (that’s Screamed Out Loud) (and erm I just made it up) when I checked the website for the line up there and saw that Dublin’s finest Villagers are sold out!
Mercury Music Prize 2010 nominees Villagers are the cream of the crop. If you’re lucky enough to have gotten a ticket you are in for a captivating show. Seriously.
Another top tip (take my word for it) is the lovely Isobel Anderson who is playing the No Alibis Tent (at Custom House Square) on Sunday Sept 12^th at 12:00pm. There seems to be a real buzz around this spellbinding folk singer at the moment. She plays an autoharp and guitar to back her intensely personal folk songs. A cut above the rest.
Out of the other big acts there is Wilco who are superb live, Mumford and Sons (unfortunately sold out), Seasick Steve, Modest Mouse, Iron&Wine and some great local acts like Kowalski.
(If you would like some more music tips, visit my music blog on my profile here)
Anyway the Open House festival is a tip top festival comprising of little gigs dotted around Belfast’s finer venues from the 6^th to 12^th September.
There are loads of little quirky events going on too– are you brave enough to enter the chilli eating contest? There’s also the intriguing sounding Strictly Come Barn Dancing, vintage clothing, a Beard grooming comp, Helium karaōke, a Cupcake Corner, Black Market and the highly recommended Vintage Rocks hairstyling (see my next review) to pick from.
There’s also some traditional Irish music if you enjoy a good aul session!

The Open House Festival is the annual festival held at various locations around Belfast. Its in to its 12^th year this year and is being held from 6−12^th September 2010 and features such amazing acts as; Mumford & Sons, White Lies + Panama Kings, Wilco + The Felice Brothers, Hayseed Dixie, Seasick Steve + Peggy Su. It’s set to be a great year for the festival. Tickets are on sale now (Mumford & Sons have sold out!) If you like traditional music you’ll love this festival, but if you don’t, don’t worry, there’s something for everyone. Its home to ChilliFest, which is Ireland’s only chilli eating contest! There’s also a brilliant helium karaōke and beard grooming competition. Mainly though it’s a full Irish Traditional Music line-​up; I was having a peek at the line up which also includes a concert challenge «Girls are better than Boys… Or are they?! That’ll be interesting to see the result! I can’t wait for this festival. Book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment!