The Court House Bangor: Fair Pay and Community Impact
Open House Festival is an independent arts charity that uses music and arts events to transform communities.
Organisation Summary
Established 25 years ago, it played a key role in Belfast’s post-Troubles cultural and economic revival, launching the first festival in the Cathedral Quarter.
In 2013, we moved our activities to Bangor, using our annual summer festival to support the town’s regeneration. In 2022, we acquired the historic Court House on Bangor seafront—Northern Ireland’s first Community Asset Transfer—and transformed it into a thriving music and arts venue. Supported by funders such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a successful crowdfunding campaign, the project has helped breathe new life into the area.
Now permanently based at Bangor Court House, Open House Festival delivers a year-round cultural programme, including music, film, theatre, literature, visual arts, and markets. In 2023, the venue won the prestigious UK-wide National Lottery Project of the Year award.
Motivation for Becoming a Living Wage Employer
People, artists, audiences, volunteers, and staff are at the heart of Open House Festival. As an organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality experiences, excellent customer service is essential to our success.
Our event and bar staff are key to creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. To recognise their dedication, we regularly invest in training, performance reviews, and team-building activities. Paying a real Living Wage is a natural extension of this commitment, fostering staff loyalty, reducing turnover, and ensuring our team feels valued.
Implementation Process and Timeline
Since opening the Court House in October 2022, we have aligned our wage rates with Living Wage guidelines. In late 2024, we formalised this by applying for accreditation, a straightforward process supported by the Living Wage Foundation.
Benefits of Accreditation
Accreditation allows us to display the Living Wage logo on marketing materials, social media, and funding applications, reinforcing our reputation as an ethical employer. This strengthens relationships with funders, partners, and audiences while ensuring staff feel valued and motivated.
“Our staff are both the face and the backbone of our organisation. The most common feedback we receive is about their welcoming, friendly manner. Paying a real Living Wage ensures they feel valued and confident, which translates into exceptional customer service. This commitment is key to our continued success.”
- Senior Leader Testimony