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Event Highlights

Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year.

Annual events are a highlight in our calendar here in Ards and North Down; flagship days out for locals and visitors who travel afar for our renowned programme, which offer free admission and can incur little to no cost.

Please note all events below are for 2024, and more details on each event can be found during the year as the individual event pages are updated.

United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is delighted to present the United Kingdom Pipe and Drum Major Championships.

The event will take place at Ward Arras area of Ward Park in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 18 May 2024, commencing at 10 am and is supported by and Ards and North Down Borough Council. This free to attend event always makes for a fantastic day out.

The impressive showcase of sound and colour fills the air and is a delight to the eyes. Friendly competition creates a really enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Food and Drink Events

Here in Ards and North Down we can't help but love our food and drink! How can we not, with an abundance of quality local makers and producers who use ingredients from our rich tide and turf, and two local distilleries renowned worldwide for their brews and spirits.

Award winning restaurants and eateries showcase the best of our locally farmed ingredients on plates that tantalise the taste buds.Find out more.

We celebrate this offering with our two Taste Ards and North Down events, one in spring and the other autumn.

Taste Summer, Wednesday 19 – Saturday 30 June
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 22 June

Taste Autumn, Thursday 5 – Sunday 15 September
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Tide and Turf, Portavogie on Saturday 7 September.

More info on both of these Taste events to come.

Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.

Experience Ards and North Down

These events detailed are simply some of the highlights during the year however sprinkled in between is a wealth of independently run events, group tours and private tours of a variety of interests, family fun days and so on.

Every year we put together a programme of Experiences that bring together local businesses to create unique days out for you to enjoy in our place.Our coastline makes for a great adventure playground, treated respectfully of course with safety in mind; our countryside dotted with artists and makers, producers, and historic towns and villages, are a canvas of arts and heritage to be explored.

Highlights of this particular programme, which runs from April to January, can include tours and events held in locations not normally open to the public, on water fun such involving paddleboards and kayaks, opportunities to learn new skills in the way of arts and crafts, a chance to devour some scrumptious delights in our local eateries, serving our local ingredients in the finest way possible sure to have you wanting more.

Find out more about our Experience programme.

Calendar Events

April

Our AND Culture section present the Ards Guitar Festival. A programme of mini events and activities that celebrate guitar music locally and afar. Find out more

May

May Day starts off the events programme with the traditional Merry May Day celebrations in the wonderful boutique town of Holywood, our gateway into the borough from Belfast, Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The town centre closes its roads to make way for an on street market, food stalls, children's entertainment, live music and of course the dance performance around the May Pole, as well as the Bonny Baby compeitition and the crowning of the May Queen! Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters which always makes for fantastic fun. Local school children, who practice intently in the run up, gather together to dance the traditional steps using ribbons that form a pattern on what is the islands only May Pole, accompanied by live traditional music.

June

The Sea Bangor Festival, held at the city of Bangor seafront over a weekend in June, celebrates our relationship with the sea and our maritime heritage.

Themed entertainment, children's crafts and play, on the water and off water activities, live music (normally accompanied by the chance to dance!),
displays by the RNLI and so much more make this popular event providing nothing but wholesome memories for all the family.

The location of the event serves the additional bonus of plentiful more activity close by in the centre including Pickie Funpark, just a short walk along the promenade around the marina.

Another highlight of June is the Comber Earlies Food Festival, part of our 'Taste Summer' programme. A weekend that celebrates the locally grown and worldwide famous Comber Early potato, whose claim to fame is the PGI status it holds, protected geographical indication (PGI) status, under European law. PGI status recognises the regional importance and distinctive characteristics of the Comber Early potato and means that only new season potatoes harvested from the fields of Comber and the surrounding area can be marketed as new season Comber earlies.

Celebrity chefs such as Jean-Christophe Noveli, Theo Randall and Paula McIntyre have previously joined us in our Demo Kitchen to share their recipes and tips on how to make the most of your Comber Earlies.

There is a surplus of family fun, from potatoe themed crafts, to chilren's fun fair rides, street theatre, live music, an artisan market that showcases our fabulous local makers and producers as well as tractor displays, and more!

Look out for associated events over the weekend including food tours, guided historical walking tours and more.

This festival forms part of our 'Taste summer' programme of events and markets.

August

Every August, the Open House Festival launches a month long programme of arts and culture events ranging from live music sessions, to book clubs, food tours, boat tours and Music in the Park on Sundays in local Ward Park.

In 2022, Open House opened The Court House Bangor, a venue for live music and the arts. Here you will find an all year programme, bringing people together for the best time! Find out more about Open House Festival.

Our own AND Culture produce a fantastic programme of events throughout the year too including workshops and classes, Friday Night Live sessions, theatre, children's crafts and so much more. Find out more about Culture - Ards and North Down.

September

'Taste Autumn' sees us through the end of summer and welcome in the autumn season at the end of August and into September. Tide and Turf Portavogie Food Festival serves as the flagship event to this programme of events and markets that showcase our fine food and drink. The location of this event, in Portavogie, celebrates the world class seafood that arrives to these docks, shipped over the island and afar, from the renowned 'Portavogie prawn' to fresh lobster, mussels and fish catch.

Christmas

In November, we welcome in the festive season to the borough with two council-run family fun events, in Bangor City and in Newtownards, with the Switch On events. These occur normally on the third and fourth Saturdays in the month. Join us for artisan markets, food, entertainment for the little ones and those young at heart, live music and more.

Throughout the borough, the remaining towns and villages choose to welcome in the season their own way. Look out for even more family fun dotted around Ards and North Down in November and December.

Craft workshops, Christmas markets and family shows put the additional sparkle into the festive season in our place.

Find out more about Christmas in Ards and North Down.

Tourism Grant Aided Events

We are also delighted to be supporting a number of local organisations through funding which has contributed to creating a programme of events for all in the community, visitors from inside the borough and outside.

Find out more about Grant-Aided Events.

And there's even more happening in between...

Find out what else the year has in store for you should you visit our part of the Isle, there is something for everyone!

What's on listings

Please note

This serves as a guide to a typical year of events highlights in Ards and North Down, however, details and events subject to change.

There will be a small charge for some activities at events.

Photography and videography may take place at some or all of the above events. Please be sure to inform a member of staff on site if you wish not to feature in stock imagery collected for the promotion of the borough and it's events.

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Winter Wreath Workshops Clandeboye Estate

Bangor

Address

The Courtyard, Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
028 9127 5787

michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Forage for winter greenery and create a bespoke handmade winter wreath at the exclusive Clandeboye Estate.

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sudor Wellness Retreats at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT222AD

Telephone
07834 806 420

info@sudorsauna.co.uk

Type

Type:

Workshop

Sudor Wellness, a leading wellness centre specializing in a traditional Sauna experience, alongside leading practitioners in Yoga, mindfulness, and holistic health, are offering multiple wellbeing events at the wonderful Mount Stewart estate.

Dates

From:

24 May 2024to26 May 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Cultra Manor

Holywood

Address

Cultra Manor, Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, BT180EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nmni.com

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Celebrate Mother's Day with an Afternoon Tea to remember at Cultra Manor.

Dates

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Weekly Market

Enter off Main Street or Castle Park Road, Bangor

Address

ASDA Car park, Castle Square, Enter off Main Street or Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4SP

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

Bangor market has been a tradition for many years and the go to for local fresh produce. Situated in ASDA car park every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm with stalls offering a wide selection of the fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh local fish, seasonal…

Dates

From:
22 May 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
29 May 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
5 June 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
12 June 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
19 June 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
26 June 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
3 July 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
10 July 2024Open 08:00 - 13:00
From:
17 July 2024

More Info
Paddy Raff: Gimme A Minute SECOND NIGHT

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

He sold out VERY fast on the first night so if you want in... BE QUICK!

Dates

From:
27 Sept 2024Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The London Handel Players

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

We are thrilled to welcome the internationally renowned London Handel Players to Portico who will be performing their programme Barbaric Beauty. The London Handel Players bring together a wide selection of this rarely-heard music by composers such…

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Guided History Walking Tour of Groomsport

Main Street, Groomsport

Address

Cockle Row Cottages, The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
07979 335 265

discovergroomsport@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Guided Walk

The tour of Groomsport covers the varied history of the village, including the voyage of the Eagle Wing on 9th September 1636 – the first attempt by Ulster-Scots folk to emigrate to America. The tour will include significant buildings dating from…

Dates

From:
8 June 2024Open 14:00 - 15:30
From:

6 July 2024to7 Sept 2024Various Opening Times

From:

14 Sept 2024to15 Sept 2024Open 14:00 - 15:30

Price
Free

More Info
Spring Equinox Family We-Treat

Bangor

Address

2B Castle Square, Bangor, Bangor, Down, BT20 4SR

Telephone
07865942165

riseandshineni@mail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature

Family Yoga, Craft & Nature Wellbeing Event

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Organ Recital: Stephen Farr

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

We are delighted to welcome organist Stephen Farr on his first visit to Portico.
The programme will include John Stanley, J S Bach, Mendelssohn, Cecilia McDowall, and Philip Wilby.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Pirate Queen - Ballywalter

Ballywalter

Address

Ballywalter Pirate Ship Play Park, Springvale Road, Ballywalter, Down, BT22 2PF

Telephone
07835 783 758

Patsy@greenroomproductionsni.org.uk

Price
Price £3.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Theatre

Pirate Queen is the world premiere of this gorgeous site-specific production, performed on Ballywalter and Millisle Pirate Ship Playparks, retelling the seafaring adventures of Grace O'Malley or Granuaile, the 16th century historical figure.

Dates

From:
8 June 2024
From:
9 June 2024

Price
Price £3.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Festival of One-Act Plays

Bangor

Address

Studio 1a, 1a Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £12.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Play

One-act play competition where groups from across the island of Ireland compete for points towards the NI One-Act Finals and the All-Ireland One-Act Finals. Eight plays over three nights with an awards ceremony on the final night. Our adjudicator…

Dates

Price
Price £12.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Bangor Drama Club: Barts Players present, The Actress by Peter Quilter

Bangor

Address

Studio 1A, 1A Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
028 9127 0069

Price
Price £13.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Theatre

Barts Players present, The Actress by Peter Quilter
The Actress dramatises the events backstage as a colourful, complicated actress makes her emotional farewell performance. Various people from her life invade her dressing room to say their…

Dates

Price
Price £13.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Bat Night - SOLD OUT

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT236EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

claire.conway@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price £7.50 to £12.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

SOLD OUT. Join us for a special late night opening for Bat Night on Friday 25th August at 20:00 to hear an expert talk before going bat detecting out on the reserve to see the amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics.

Dates

Price
Price £7.50 to £12.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Irish Traditional Sessions

Bangor

Address

The Court House, 16 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44(0)28 9148 2053

info@courthousebangor.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

2 floors of Irish Traditional Music every Saturday afternoon.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Knead Yoga

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballyorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7711 484 850

info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

In the beautiful surroundings of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen on the shores of Strangford Lough, this restorative yoga experience will allow you to completely switch off.

Dates

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Katherine Dienes-Williams: Organ Recital

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Meetinghouse Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £7.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

We are delighted to welcome Katherine Dienes-Williams to Portico for an organ recital.
Katherine is the Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral.
Programme to be announced.
This concert is supported by the Arts Council of…

Dates

Price
Price £7.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sunset Paddle and Pizza

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballyorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7711 484 850

info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com

Price
Price £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A combined soft adventure and food experience on Strangford Lough

Dates

Price
Price £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
The Björn Identity - Sold Out

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £15.00 to £21.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Any introduction required? Simply the best ABBA tribute!
As a full time, dedicated, professional tribute show, their commitment and delivery of Abba's greatest hits is unrivalled on these shores, simply, an Abba tribute band at the top of their…

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 to £21.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Pygmalion by GB Shaw

Helen's Bay

Address

St John’s Church Hall, 13a Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1LA

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Theatre

Helen’s Bay Players are performing GB Shaw’s famous play Pygmalion. The phoneticist Henry Higgins sets out to transform Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, into a duchess at ease in high society. Eliza is a quick learner but proves to have a…

Dates

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Market on the Square, Portaferry

Portaferry

Address

St Patricks Community Centre/Market Square, 49 Steel Dickson Ave/Village Centre, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LF

Telephone
028 4272 9598

info@portaferrymarket.com

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

The Market on the Square will be held in St. Patrick’s Community Centre, Steele Dickson Avenue on the first Sat of each month October – December 2022.

Dates

From:
25 May 2024
From:
6 July 2024
From:
3 Aug 2024
From:

14 Sept 2024to15 Sept 2024

From:
5 Oct 2024
From:
2 Nov 2024

More Info