About
"Donaghadee Community Development Association is delighted to present our bumper summer festival programme for 2024. As always we have retained some of your favourite events from previous years and taken the opportunity to introduce new events.
This year’s programme includes some 100 events organised and delivered by 29 different organisations or individuals. The festival would simply not take place without this level of support and also all those who assist and help us in its production and delivery.
There is something for everyone – educational and frivolous, music and dance, history and culture, action and non-action. Young and old and all ages in between are sure to find something of interest. Please do come out and support these events and make it a festival to remember.
Particular thanks to the Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Ulster Scots Agency, our sponsors and PSNI.
Please do check visitdonaghadee.com for any changes to the programme."
- Chairman of Donaghadee Community Development Association, Denis Waterworth
There are an abundance of events and experiences taking place in the seaside town of Donaghadee throughout July and August, covering a variety of genres, to suit all ages, from arts and crafts, to sporting activities, creating writing, to walking tours, celebration days and commemoration days...
Highlights include:
Historical Walking Tours, organised by Donaghadee Local History Forum
Every Tuesday from 2 July - 27 August, 10am
Sir Samuel Kelly Project open evenings
Thursday, 6pm-8pm | Friday-Sunday, 2pm-5pm
Marina Carpark
Free entry (donations always welcome)
Battle of the Somme Commemoration
Organised by Local Orange Lodges
Starting Point – Orange Hall, Manor St at 7.30pm and 8pm at Cenotaph. The parade will proceed via Manor Street, High Street, Moat Street, East Street and Shore Street.
Friday 5 July
Teddy Bears Picnic in the Enchanted Fairy Garden
Organised by Donaghadee Creative Hub
Free entry. Pack a picnic and a teddy bear and join us for a Teddy Bears picnic, with free craft activities to enjoy.
Wimbledon Saturday, organised by Donaghadee Lawn Tennis Club
2pm–4pm | Donaghadee Tennis Club
Anyone interested in trying tennis come along for free. Taster Sessions will last for 30 minutes and we ask that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Wimbledon style refreshments will be available and there will be prizes for those best dressed in Wimbledon colours.
Friday 20 July
Donaghadee Regatta, organised by Donaghadee Sailing Club
donaghadeesc.co.uk
Stunt Scooter Spectacular, organised by Thunder Action Sports
12noon-5pm | Lemon’s Wharf
Stunt Scooter coaching workshops and demonstrations from 'Team Thunder’s' local sporting Champions using Ireland’s no.1 Portable half pipe Ramp. There will be ‘free to attend' but spaces will be limited on the day and will be delivered on a first come first served basis. All equipment will be provided at the event. Participants must be 7yrs+ and accompanied by an adult for registration. Find Thunder Action Sports on facebook and instagram for further event details. This will be one not to miss!
Friday 26 July
Classic Car Meet, organised by Morris Minor Owners Club
From 4.30pm | The Harbour
Classic cars only from age December 1998 and older. There will be overflow parking in the Marina Car Park. Parking by pre-registration only and costs £5 per car. Find out more and register: aovc.co.uk
August
Saturday 10 August
Donaghadee Market Fresh
11am-3pm | Marina Car Park
Wednesday 14 August
Creative Taster Session with Everyday Items – a workshop with local Artist Sharon Regan
Organised by Donaghadee Creative Hub
2pm-4pm
Cost £25 - To book email: sharonreganart@gmail.com
16 - 18 August - Donaghadee Ulster Scots Festival
Friday 16 August
Opening Ceremony
An Exhibition of Ulster Scots
Food Fair and Food Demonstrations
A Handful of Ulster Scots – A talk by Billy McCullough
The Tartan - A talk by Professor Jane McCann
Coming of the Ulster Scots to Donaghadee - A talk in Donaghadee Library by local historian Dr Tom
Neill
A Re-enactment of the Arrival of the Ulster Scots
Ceilidh with Risin’ Stour
Saturday 17 August
Exhibition Continues
Food Fair Continues
Churchyard Tour with Dr Tom Neill
Ulster Scots Writers of County Down - A talk by Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University
Craft Displays and Childrens Games
Ulster Fry World Championships
Donaghadee Community Choir
Music performance by Donaghadee Fifes and Drums
Music performance by Cap on the Wall
Music performance by Broken String Band
Sunday 18 August
Exhibition Continues
Music performance by Blood Washed Band
Music performance by Kirkistown Pipe Band
Music performance by Mike Donaghy
Festival activities continue through August, with a couple in September, including...
Saturday 31 August
Horse Relay, organised by Gransha Equestrian)
2pm | Donaghadee Beach
Enjoy the thrills of horse relay races on the beach as teams take their nhorses over a series of jumps. Event Organised by Gransha Equestrian Centre.
September
Sunday 15 September
Donaghadee Sea Sprint
Organised by Peninsula Triathlon Club
750m swim | 27km bike | 5k run
Find out more and enter: triathlonireland.com
Friday 20 September
Captains' Open Charity Day (Ladies + Gents)
Donaghadee Golf Club
18 and 9 hole. Find out more, call 028 9188 3624 (option 2)
More information including the festival brochure can be obtained on the Visit Donaghadee website
Festival sponsors include: Ards and North Down Borough Council's Community Development Department, the Ulster-Scots Agency, Ann Magee, Bow Bells, Department for Communities, Nigel Smith Dentistry, Pier 36, Rea Estates, Tivoli Bar , UPS – Ulster, Property Sales, and Urban Properties Solutions Limited.
