Open House Crowned 'Most Excellent Event'

The Northern Ireland folk music festival, Open House, has been bestowed the title of 'Most Excellent Event' at this year's Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.

During the ceremony at Belfast's Ramada Plaza Hotel, The Coors Light Open House Festival landed the award ahead of stiff competition from high profile commercial events such as last year's Fat Boy Slim gig in Giant's Park.

Judges were impressed that the Open House Festival - which began in 1999 - continues to grow in popularity and has been delivering an increasingly impressive line up of performers to an ever-growing audience.

Open House Festival Director Kieran Gilmore said: "We may not be the biggest annual music event, nor do we necessarily want to be, but we always try to be one of the best.

"It's great to get this sort of recognition for Open House and we're extremely proud of our achievements over the last 13 years. Open House is a festival that strives to innovate and grow year on year. We believe that this year's open-air summer line-up is our best yet."

Last year's Open House line-up included Mumford and Sons, Wilco and Seasick Steve.

The award arrives just ahead of this year's 13th Open House, which will take place from 22-26 June across the city's Cathedral Quarter.

The line-up features headlining outdoor performances from acclaimed acts such as Laura Marling, Fleet Foxes and Villagers as well as countless other folk, roots and trad gigs in venues throughout the area.

(DW/BMcC)