Bangor hits the right note with weekend trail of 40 free gigs
Bangor’s striking a chord this weekend, as it offers a jaunt around more than 40 free gigs.
The Co Down seaside city offers three days of music in nine venues from Friday through Sunday, brining a mix of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, jazz, punk, blues, ska, funk and folk to its heart.
Acts including the Sabrejets, Doghouse Ska and tributes to Paul Weller and the Clash join the second year of the Bangor Music Trail, which runs as part of the city’s month-long Open House Festival.
According to festival director Alison Gordon, this year offer’s a much greater range of music on offer, part of a deliberate move to widen the trail from 2025’s blues and jazz focus.
“Some of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians will be descending on Bangor over the weekend, including many local legends, and we are expecting even bigger crowds than last year,” she said.
“For us this is a great way to support live musicians, and at the same time draw people into the city centre to support our local bars and businesses."
The owner of Donegan’s, one of nine bars hosting gigs over the extended weekend, said he’s thrilled to be involved.
"There will be some incredible live gigs in downtown Bangor, with free admission to all of them,” said Paul Donegan. “Bangor will be buzzing.”
Bangor mayor Craig Blaney described the music trail as “a fantastic addition to the bank holiday weekend, bringing together local venues, talented musicians and music lovers”.
Full details of the trail line-up can be found at Open House Festival’s website.