Graham Norton toasts marriage with star-studded West Cork wedding party
It is understood Graham and his partner may have already become legally married and that Saturday's event was a blessing ceremony, with another celebration planned in the marquees, which can be spotted on the approach to Ahakista.
TV personality and author Graham Norton is believed to have toasted his recent wedding at a lavish ceremony in his native West Cork, with more than 100 guests attending an exclusive event at Bantry House.
One of West Cork’s favourite sons, Mr Norton and his partner returned to his holiday home in Ahakista on Sunday, where the party continued inside marquees by the waterfront, according to locals.
Mr Norton and his partner may have already legally married at an earlier stage and Saturday’s event at Bantry House was believed to be a blessing ceremony, with another celebration in the marquees at his home on Sunday, which could be spotted on the approach to Ahakista village on the Sheep’s Head peninsula.
It’s understood that Scottish singing star Lulu performed at the celebrations, that Panti Bliss was the DJ, and TikTok stars Cairde performed for those who gathered to mark the occasion.Â
Rory O’Neill, aka Panti Bliss, had tweeted on Saturday that he was in West Cork while Lulu posted videos to her Instagram story of her walking through the grounds of Bantry House and enjoying an al fresco breakfast.
Mr Norton, 59, was born in Dublin but grew up in Bandon, where he attended Bandon Grammar School.
The rumour mill had gone into overdrive in Bantry in recent days, with a host of celebrity names mentioned as possible guests but the event itself was carried out with low-key military precision.
Guests began arriving into Bantry House around lunchtime on Saturday, with the historic venue closed to the public.
However, apart from some events management and catering trucks entering and leaving, and tight-lipped security staffing the two gateways to the venue, there was little to suggest that the BBC star was toasting his nuptials with his partner inside.
It is understood that a blessing was conferred in Bantry House by a local rector.
Such was the attention to detail, it is believed that people wearing heels at the party were provided with small accessories designed to stop them from sinking into the grass.
The sun blazed down throughout Saturday, and the good weather continued yesterday, when guests attended another party at Mr Norton’s holiday home in Ahakista.
Marquees began appearing at the start of the week, and some locals were certain they were being put in place to mark the star’s recent union.
Mr Norton has been recording his Virgin Radio UK show locally as he enjoys his stay in West Cork, where he has spent his summers in recent years.
His latest novel, , is due to be published later this year, and a TV dramatisation of his first novel, , was aired earlier in 2022, starring Cork’s Siobhán McSweeney.
Meanwhile, Mr Norton’s hugely successful chat show on BBC Television is due to return in the autumn.
A hugely popular figure in Bantry and West Cork particularly, the presenter hosts a legendary table quiz as part of the Ahakista August Festival.
One person familiar with the events of this weekend said that it marked “good things for good people”.Â
“He is the most charming, decent person, generous with his time and fun.”
A spokesperson for Mr Norton was contacted for comment.
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