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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.

Number of results: 622

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Atrium Apartment A

Bangor

Address

1st And 2nd Floors, 57 High Street, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7973 940 270

colummccloskey@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

The newly renovated, first-floor Atrium Apartment is situated in the heart of the popular seaside town of Bangor. It is within a two minute walk of the celebrated marina and beautiful coastal paths. A great location to explore Northern Ireland.

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Viking Feast with Storytelling & Music

Strangford

Address

The Old Court, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

events@lakesvikings.com

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The Venue is in an outstandingly beautiful location on the shores of Strangford Lough, and it will host the Viking Feast on the opening night of the festival. Music played on reconstructed medieval instruments and vocal arrangements from a trio of…

Dates

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Jewellery Workshop Strangford

Strangford

Address

Strangford Castle, Castle Street, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

events@lakesvikings.com

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Each person will leave with either a solid silver pendant or ring they have made.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Making Christmas: Candles

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price from: £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

*SOLD OUT* Get hands-on at our festive candle making workshop this Christmas

Dates

From:
30 Nov 2024Open 13:00 - 15:00

Price
Price from: £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
New Years Day Walk at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Portaferry, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price from: £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Walking

Start your New Year with a guided garden walk, taking in the horticultural highlights of Mount Stewart.

Dates

From:
1 Jan 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

Price
Price from: £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Where Celtic and Viking Art Meet - Part 2

Portaferry

Address

The Narrows, 8 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PB

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Two of Europe's leading exponents of Celtic knotwork meet to discuss their work. A rare opportunity to meet this quality of practitioner face to face. This is a two part event, part 1 takes place in Strangford on 25 March.
Sean Parry and Sean…

Dates

More Info
Redsmith's Forge Coppersmithing Workshops

Millisle

Address

218A Abbey Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DH

Telephone
+44 (0)7926 121 282

redsmithsforge@outlook.com

Price
Price from: £60.00 to £90.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Every experience with Redsmith’s Forge results in at least two pieces of jewellery for you to take home and treasure. Our range of workshops are suitable for both beginners and creatives.

Price
Price from: £60.00 to £90.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Scrabo Golf Club

Newtownards

Address

233 Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2355

admin@scrabogc.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Scrabo, set in the shadow of its famous tower, has its own unique personality and is a favourite amongst Northern Ireland golfers. The course offers magnificent views over Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshop

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down, BT180NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Type

Type:

Workshop

LUX Beginners Jewellery Making Workshops in our Holywood Northern Ireland working Goldsmiths studio. No experience is required for this fun and relaxing experience, so come with friends or by yourself for some quality 'me time'. Challenge…

Dates

From:
25 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
3 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
4 Jan 2025
From:
7 Jan 2025Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
9 Jan 2025
From:
15 Jan 2025
From:
20 Jan 2025
From:
23 Jan 2025
From:
28 Jan 2025Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
30 Jan 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking Free on public pavement between two drives. Please do not park outside neighbours properties or on our private drive as this needs to be kept clear at all times. Thanks
Autumn Botanical Art Workshop with Ali Walker - Full Day

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Join Botanical Artist Ali Walker as she guides you in the art of drawing a range of Autumnal subjects from Mount Stewart's beautiful gardens.

Dates

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Seashore

Newtownards

Address

17 Ballyrolly Cottages, Millisle, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2FE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7751527317

Edel.haugh1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Modern 2 bedroom apartment located at Ballyrolly Cottages, Millisle, with stunning seaviews as the property is directly beside the beach.

More Info
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Breakfast with Santa at WWT Castle Espie

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
02891874146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price from: £14.00 to £16.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

This December at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, enjoy a delicious breakfast with all the family, plus a very special guest – Santa Claus!

Dates

From:
1 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 12:30
From:

6 Dec 2024to7 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 12:30

From:

14 Dec 2024to15 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 12:30

From:

20 Dec 2024to22 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 12:30

Price
Price from: £14.00 to £16.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Coppersmithing Workshop With Lake and Oak, Sat 2pm

(on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry

Address

The Viking Encampment, The Ropewalk, off Castle Street, (on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Make your own leaf pendant, Viking brooch or a cuff.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Jewellery Making Experience with NI Silver

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down

Telephone
+44 (0)7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Price
Price from: £90.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Based in Holywood, County Down, NI Silver welcomes you to connect with a centuries-old tradition, through which you'll learn a new skill whilst creating your own unique piece of jewellery.

Dates

From:
25 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00
From:
3 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 14:00

Price
Price from: £90.00 Activity

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Coppersmithing Workshop With Lake and Oak, Sun 10am

(on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry

Address

The Viking Encampment, The Ropewalk, off Castle Street, (on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Make your own leaf pendant, Viking brooch or a cuff.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Coppersmithing Workshop With Lake and Oak, Sun 12noon

(on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry

Address

The Viking Encampment, The Ropewalk, off Castle Street, (on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Make your own leaf pendant, Viking brooch or a cuff.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Super Natural October Half-Term

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
028 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Type

Type:

Halloween

Explore the super natural! This October half term, discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be. From wildlife spotting and bug hunting, to wand-making and storytelling, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Exhibition of Children's Viking Art Strangford

Strangford

Address

St Joseph's Primary School, 31 Downpatrick Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

events@lakesvikings.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Primary school children from the wider Strangford and Portaferry areas are being visited by some of our fierce Vikings and will make an artwork to go on display. The winner from each school will receive a family ticket to the amazing Ballydugan…

Dates

More Info
Ballydorn Hut

Newtownards

Address

73 Ballydorn Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7475 334666

info@ballydornstay.com

Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

Ballydorn Shepherd Hut is beautifullly finished and fully kitted out for all your needs sleeping a family of four in a king bed, bunk beds, kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. It is set in the most beautiful surroundings overlooking Whiterock Bay in…

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Coppersmithing Workshop With Lake and Oak, Sun 2pm

(on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry

Address

The Viking Encampment, The Ropewalk, off Castle Street, (on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Make your own leaf pendant, Viking brooch or a cuff.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info