Now in its 10th year, the event has brought a myriad of weird and wonderful acts, all with folksy leanings, to the city.

In that time it has provided a platform for idiosyncratic American roots performers, and off-kilter traditional musicians, to delight Ulster audiences.

Around 50 events will take place during the festival, which runs until September 28 in venues throughout the Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and beyond.

Music includes Bluegrass, Cajun, Irish Traditional, Punk-Blues, Flamenco and Gypsy Jazz, with many acts blurring the genre boundaries.

Highlights include Heavy Trash – which features Jon Spencer of Blues Explosion fame, gothic jugband O’Death and the Southern Tenant Folk Union.

The Chillifest also makes a return this year, with three days of Cajun Music and spicy food in Custom House Square.

Nearly half of events are free, including many Irish and American roots music sessions throughout the festival.

Festival director Kieran Gilmore said: “The Open House Festival is 10 years old, but most of the music is brand new to Belfast and represents the most cutting edge artists on either side of the Atlantic.

“Many of these American Bluegrass bands have never been to Europe before, never mind Ireland, and we are as excited about this year’s programme as we were about the first.”

Aisling Duffy, marketing manager for Coors Light, who are the main sponsors of this year’s festival, said: “We are incredibly proud to be the first ever headline sponsor of the Coors Light Open House Festival.

“The festival fuses the eclectic American Roots scene with the Irish music scene in a way which fits perfectly with the Coors Light brand - American at its roots, but now part of the fabric of Northern Ireland since its launch here, also ten years ago.”

The event is also supported by the Arts Council, and development office Gavin O’Connor said: “The Arts Council is delighted to support the only dedicated traditional arts and music festival to take place in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

“Over the years the festival has evolved, drawing on the highest calibre of local and international musical talent.

“The festival plays a significant role in Northern Ireland’s artistic development and audience participation by focusing on young and innovative traditional musicians in addition to showcasing big name artists – Open House must be commended for producing an outstanding and ambitious programme for 2008.”

n For more information on the Open House Festival, or to book tickets, log on to the website at www.openhousefestival.com or contact the box office at the Belfast Welcome Centre on 9024 6609.