By Julie Waters
BANGOR’S Court House team has every reason to celebrate this festive season as they mark a special anniversary.
Just one year ago the Quay Street venue was named the 2023 UK wide National Lottery Project of the Year and the team received their award from Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody.
Over the past 12 months the Court House has continued to build its reputation as a leading live entertainment destination for local residents and visitors alike – they also won the Heritage Angels Public Vote award that celebrates the regeneration of built heritage.
Since opening their doors as a live venue an impressive 88,896 customers have walked through the Court House doors in the past two years. The venue has hosted 879 ticketed events involving 2,588 artist performances, including music, comedy, theatre, film, and spoken word.
Some standout recent events include Jah Wobble, former Public Image Ltd bass player, an intimate Foy Vance and Bonnie Bishop gig, three Hothouse Flowers performances and next week’s sold out DJ David Holmes gig.
The Court House has also hosted 61 outreach events, including VE Day celebration with residents of local care homes, a series of Mencap discos and the Bangor Repair Café.
The Quay Street venue has also played a vital role in re-energising Bangor’s economy; post-event surveys have shown that 91% of customers attending an event would otherwise have stayed at home or gone somewhere outside the city.
A further 44% of people surveyed stated they went to purchase food and drink at other Bangor establishments before or after their show at the Court House.
Kieran Gilmore, Court House director, has looked back on the success with pride.
“We received the National Lottery award not long after our first birthday, and it was such a wonderful way to celebrate one year of the doors finally being open after many years of fundraising and building work,” he said.
“It has been an honour to wear that crown, so to speak, and we know we’re closing out the year in an even stronger position than we were when Gary Lightbody presented us with the trophy last December.”
Said Kieran: “Receiving the award this time last year was the greatest honour we could have imagined, and really it was all made possible because of the thousands of people from Bangor and beyond who have championed and supported us over the years.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of old and new faces over the next couple of weeks, and are excited by what is to come for the Court House, and Bangor, in 2025.”
Alison Gordon, Court House development director, believes the Court House has successfully ‘tapped into a genuine thirst for live entertainment in Bangor’.
“It’s been a joy to showcase many local artists and creatives along the way, such as The Florentinas, Taylor Lally, King Cedar, and Colin Bateman,” said Alison.
“And of course we can now bring national and international artists to Bangor throughout the year, not just during our August Open House Festival.”
Alison explained that Bangor’s economic and creative regeneration had always been key motivating factors for the Open House Festival and the same ethos applies to the Court House.
“We encourage our customers to dine in nearby restaurants and have a pre or post gig drink in other city-centre pubs, and we love to hear about visitors staying at our local hotels and AirB&Bs. There is generally a great spirit of support and co-operation in Bangor’s business and hospitality community, and we are proud to be part of that.”
Stella Byrne, head of investment for Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, praised the Court House team’s continued success.
“What has been achieved from the initial idea to project completion is a marvellous transformation with wonderful outcomes and engagement.
“We’re so proud of the Court House team and what they have achieved – a truly fabulous heritage project made possible thanks to National Lottery players”
Gary Lightbody, is one of the Court House’s biggest supporters.
“The transformation of the old Court House into an exciting, electrifying and energetic live music venue has meant so much to the city of Bangor and beyond,” he said.
“It’s the first of its kind in Bangor, there’s not really anything else like it in terms of a place that is purpose-built for music and art.
“It’s something that will hopefully lead the way in Bangor for a renaissance, it would be lovely to see this place burst back.”
