James Nesbitt announced for Open House Festival

3rd August 2023

With the countdown on to the start of this year’s Open House Festival, a final and very special guest has been announced for Bangor Castle Walled Garden. On bank holiday Monday, 28th August, James Nesbitt will join Colin Bateman on stage for an exclusive in-conversation with event. 

One of Northern Ireland’s most beloved actors, James Nesbitt has starred in the likes of Cold Feet, Murphy’s Law – which was created by Colin Bateman – and, most recently, the BBC drama, Bloodlands. Colin Bateman is one of the country’s most respected authors and screenwriters, having written more than 30 novels, a recently published memoir, Thunder and Lightning, and several high-profile television and film scripts. The two have been friends for many years, and their natural rapport and close bond will guarantee an insightful and entertaining conversation. 

“I’m very excited to be bringing Jimmy Nesbitt to Bangor,” said Colin, “and Open House Festival is the perfect occasion for us to share a stage together. I’ve worked with Jimmy since very early in both our careers – he starred in my first short film, Jumpers, back in 1997. Since then we have always been looking for projects to collaborate on, and we’re actually developing two ideas at the moment. But beyond that he’s just a great actor and a genuinely nice guy, and I think the Bangor Open House audience will love him.” 

The event will close this year’s festival at the Walled Garden, which gets underway on Wednesday 16th August. Other festival events at the Court House and various locations around Bangor begin this week. 

“It’s a real coup for us to secure James Nesbitt as a guest,” said Open House director, Kieran Gilmore. “It’s something we’ve been hoping would happen for quite some time, so to confirm the event just before this 10th anniversary festival starts is perfect timing. Colin has always been connected with Open House, and is a big draw for Bangor audiences himself, so the combination of the two will no doubt make for a memorable evening.”

Tickets for James Nesbitt in conversation with Colin Bateman cost £15 including all fees, and go on sale today, Thursday 3rd August. For full details and to book, go to openhousefestival.com.  

Open House Festival is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.