The official website of Visit Ards and North Down

You are here: What's on > Event Highlights

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.

Number of results: 622

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Letterpress Postcards - Experience AND 2024

75 Main Street, Bangor

Address

Seacourt Print Workshop, The old Ulster Bank, 75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Join us for an evening of creativity and fun at Seacourt Print Workshop! No experience is necessary to take part in this immersive experience which is perfect for those who want to try their hand at this traditional printing technique.

Dates

From:
13 Feb 2025

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Trad & Tide Strangford Lough - Experience AND 2024

Portaferry

Address

Tour departs from the slipway, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out.
**This would make a great Father's Day gift!** Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the splendour of Strangford Loughs' scenery and fascinating wildlife onboard the St Brendan, departing from…

Dates

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
CANCELLED: A Posh Picnic in The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay - Experience AND 2024

Helen's Bay

Address

The Walled Garden Helen's Bay, 47 Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1UB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

Price
Price from: £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

This experience has been cancelled. This beautiful, relaxed dining experience will showcase the Walled Garden Helen's Bay in all its spring beauty. Deckchairs, rugs and cushions will adorn the garden of Old Mill House where you can unwind and…

Dates

Price
Price from: £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade Art Workshop - Experience AND 2024

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Come along to a fun filled, creative Halloween experience at WWT Castle Espie. Little Ones are invited to join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary…

Dates

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Discovery Hub: The AONB Photography Competition

Newtownards

Address

Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

'Magnificent Mourne Gullion Strangford! Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the seasons.'
A display of the winners and finalists in this annual amateur photography competition held by the management teams of the Ring of Gullion, Mournes…

Dates

More Info
Cairn Wood Forest

Newtownards

Address

21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

Telephone
0300 013 3333

outdoor@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Woodland Pathways offer five scenic walks, starting from the car park and weaving through beautiful mixed woodland. These trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers. With trail lengths ranging from 1.7 to 4.5 km, the routes…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance - From car park level into woodland trailhead.
SOLD OUT: Summer Solstice Voyage of Discovery - Experience AND 2024

Portaferry

Address

Tour departs from the slipway at Portaferry Harbour, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Strangford Lough on board the St Brendan. Cruise between the islands and inlets of this area of outstanding beauty while being entertained by stories of pagan folklore…

Dates

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Hallowe'en Happenings in Groomsport

Groomsport

Address

Groomsport village and Cockle Row Cottages, Harbour area off Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Halloween

Bring your little witches, wizards and ghosts along to Cockle Row Cottages for some Halloween fun on Sunday 27 October, 2-4pm.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
SOLD OUT: Monoprinting with Plants - Experience AND 2024

Near Tower House, Bangor

Address

Guillemot Deli, 6 Seacliff Road, Bangor seafront, Near Tower House, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EY

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

This experience is now sold out. For similar experiences visit the Seacourt Print Workshop website.
An evening of creativity at Seacourt Print Workshop. Your inspiration will be a wide variety of plants and botanicals. You may choose the plants you…

Dates

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Newtownards Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Off High Street, Newtownards

Address

Tour departs Town Hall/Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Off High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. Explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards. The tour, led by expert guide Paul Whitla, will take you on a journey through time. Immerse yourself in the history of Newtownards.

Dates

Price
Price from: £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Screenprinted Garlands - Experience AND 2024

75 Main Street, Bangor

Address

Seacourt Print Workshop, The Old Ulster Bank, 75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

The Christmas lights are on in Bangor so time to get inky with screen print at Seacourt Print Workshop, and make and assemble your own handmade garland, perfect to string up on a wall, or gift to a loved one.

Dates

From:
28 Nov 2024

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Scene to Studio: Painting the Walled Garden - Experience AND 2024

(next door to Cex on Main St)., Bangor

Address

Meeting at Boom! Studios & visiting Bangor Castle Walled Garden, 80A Main Street, (next door to Cex on Main St)., Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £145.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Join local landscape artist Jenni Robinson for an immersive day of art, based around the beautiful Walled Garden in Bangor.

Dates

Price
Price from: £145.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Holywood Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Holywood

Address

Tour departs Holywood Priory, High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. For more similar experiences with Experience and Explore NI check their website or Facebook page (@fabguidesni).
Join tour guide Nicky Jones of Experience and Explore NI, hear fascinating tales about some of…

Dates

Price
Price from: £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Boat and Bakes - Experience AND 2024

Sketrick Island, Killinchy

Address

Strangford Lough Activity Centre, 40 Whiterock Road, Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6HQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Take a scenic, historical and at times fast boat trip down Strangford Lough, soaking in the myths, legends and folklore of the largest sea inlet in these islands, followed by Scandinavian-inspired baked treats from one of NI’s finest artisan…

Dates

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Gardens & Gin Coach Tour - Experience AND 2024

Newtownards

Address

Tour will depart by coach from Ards Visitor Information Centre,, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A New for 2024 escorted excursion by coach - Visit the National Trust's Mount Stewart Estate, where their knowledgeable team will guide you through the spectacular gardens, before making your way to Echlinville Distillery to learn about how gin is…

Dates

Price
Price from: £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Greyabbey Estate Garden Tour - Experience AND 2024

Greyabbey

Address

Rosemount House, Greyabbey Estate, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2QA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. An opportunity to explore the stunning garden of Grey Abbey House, not normally open to the public, which overlooks Strangford Lough on the Ards Peninsula.

Dates

Price
Price from: £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Christmas at Cockle Row

Groomsport

Address

Cockle Row Cottages & Groomsport Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

A little bit of festive magic will be sprinkled on Cockle Row Cottages over the weekend of 2 – 3 December.

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 12:00 - 17:00

From:

7 Dec 2024to8 Dec 2024Open 14:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
SOLD OUT: Paws for Gin in Donaghadee - Experience AND 2024

Donaghadee

Address

Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour, 82 Moat Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out.
Discover the history of Donaghadee on this dog friendly walking tour. After the tour enjoy a gin cocktail, or a soft drink, in the Pier 36 Beer Garden. A great way to see the fictional town of Port Devine of BBC…

Dates

Price
Price from: £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
SOLD OUT: Electric Picnic - Experience AND 2024

Sketrick Island, Killinchy

Address

Strangford Lough Activity Centre, 40 Whiterock Road, Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6HQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is a Guided Electric Bike Tour around the shoreline of stunning Strangford Lough, with an artisan picnic - thrill your senses with this adventure around one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Dates

Price
Price from: £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Tide and Turf Portavogie

Portavogie

Address

Fish Market and Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

** Please note, this event took place on 7 September 2024. These are some of the activities that took place. Keep an eye on this page for exciting details of the 2025 event **

Dates

Price
Free

More Info