And So I Watch You From Afar and Muireann Bradley announced for Bangor's Open House Festival

The internationally acclaimed Northern Irish rock band, And So I Watch You From Afar and sensational young Donegal country blues musician Muireann Bradley will perform at this year’s Open House Festival.

And So I Watch You From Afar will launch their new album with a special performance at The Court House in Bangor on Friday, 9th August. The new release, titled Megafauna, will be the band’s seventh studio album.

Released by Berlin based Pelagic Records, it is described as “a deafening and defiant statement of intent from the band’s propulsive core - a clarion call for the communities that shape them, a resplendent celebration of togetherness over separation.”

READ MORE: NI city's legendary sea swim makes a splash back to original 1910 race route

READ MORE: Strictly choreographer to host mass dance lesson at NI seaside festival

The instrumental band composed of guitarists Rory Friers and Niall Kennedy, bassist Ewen Friers and drummer Chris Wee, will be performing at the Co Down city's Court House just off the back of a US tour, and before they embark on a UK tour later in the year.

“The ASIWYFA gig is set to be one of this year’s festival highlights,” said Open House Director, Kieran Gilmore. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the band to Bangor in the first place, and to host the album launch gig is a real privilege.”

In a further announcement, Muireann Bradley will perform an intimate concert in the Walled Garden on the afternoon of Saturday, 24th August. Just 17 years old, Muireann appeared on the annual BBC2 Jools Holland Hootenanny show last New Year’s Eve, following which her debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, recorded in one take, entered the top ten of the UK Albums Download Chart.

“Murieann is currently taking the blues scene by storm,” said Kieran, “and for us to host her so early in her career is a real accolade for the festival. The Walled Garden setting will be perfect for her finger-picking guitar playing and acrobatic vocals. She’s a wonderful addition to our festival line-up.”

Other acts appearing at the festival, which runs throughout the entire month of August include This is the Kit, aka English musician Kate Stables and her band, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Oisín Leech, indie soul band Skinny Living, and Co Down singer, Wilfie.

As well as music, the festival features comedy from the likes of Diona Doherty, Jarlath Regan and Paddy McDonnell, plus book clubs, tastings, and cinema.

To purchase tickets and view the full programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.