Bangor's 13th annual Open House Festival kicks off on Saturday with an afternoon of music at the Court House celebrating the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, before a special evening performance by Hothouse Flowers.

Running throughout August, the festival comprises 85 ticketed and 45 free events in venues across the city. The Walled Garden will welcome Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan, English folk duo The Staves, American country artist Ashley Campbell — daughter of Glen Campbell — and Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, better known as The Tallest Man on Earth. The garden will also host two shows with strong local links: Ryan Johnston of Yorkshire indie-soul outfit Skinny Living, who grew up in Bangor, and Bangor-based duo The Darkling Air (Rachel McCarthy and Michael Keeney) marking a decade of collaboration.

Elsewhere on the bill are Scottish singer-songwriter Michael McCovern, Irish indie-rock harpist Dara Dubh, and James Nelson of the Irish Tenors, bringing his one-man show, Singing for his Supper, to the Court House. Journalist and foreign correspondent Sally Hayden will be in conversation with Brian Rowan about her latest book, This is Also a Love Story: Searching for Good in a Divided World, while Bangor's own Dave Elliot tries out a new comedy show for his hometown audience.

Free programming includes the final five Picnic in the Park concerts at Ward Park — featuring The Queen Magic Experience this Sunday, 2 August, and Otis and the Elevators on Sunday 30 August — plus more than 40 free music events across nine city-centre pubs over the August bank holiday weekend. "Over the past thirteen years, summer in Bangor has become synonymous with Open House Festival," said Open House director, Kieran Gilmore. "Our festival has changed and evolved during that time, but one thing that has remained steadfast is the support we receive from the people of Bangor, be that buying tickets or attending free events like Picnic in the Park in their thousands. We remain grateful to them, and to our funders. This August we'll be welcoming back some old favourites and introducing new faces, with an eclectic programme featuring artists from America, Sweden, Ireland, and the UK. And as always, our lineup will feature a healthy dose of homegrown talent."

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: "I am delighted to welcome the return of Open House Festival, which has become one of the highlights of Bangor's summer calendar. Year after year, the festival brings outstanding music, arts and cultural experiences to our city, attracting residents and visitors alike. This year's programme offers something for everyone, from internationally renowned performers to local talent and free events. I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy what promises to be another fantastic festival for Bangor and our Borough."

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: "The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support the 13th Open House Festival, thanks to The National Lottery players. This festival brings world-class arts and music to the city of Bangor every year and once again has curated a terrific programme featuring something to suit all tastes. I would encourage everyone to go and enjoy everything that this wonderful festival has to offer."

For tickets and the full programme, visit www.openhousefestival.com.

Open House Festival is an arts charity supported by Ards & North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.