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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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Homes in Focus: The Old Rectory

Holywood

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Join Victoria Millar, Senior Curator of History, at the Old Rectory to learn about the building's distinguishing features and discover what life was like for those who lived in it in the early 1900s.

Dates

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - King Magnus His Life & Death

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:

Talks/Lectures

Narrator - Finbar McCormick has a lifetime of knowledge about local history.

Dates

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Jewellery Workshop, Sun 2pm

Portaferry

Address

The Hub, Portaferry Sailing Club, 40 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

In each workshop, artisan and craftsman Connor Sweeney of Valhallas Silver will take you through the ancient jewellery making techniques. At the end of the workshop, you will be the proud owner of a solid silver pendant or ring.

Dates

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Mobile Team Adventure

Belfast

Address

108 Old Milltown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7SP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 6695

info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Experience the massive range of fun activities on offer with Mobile Team Adventure which includes paddling, canoeing or kayaking. Try out one of their bespoke guided day trips on the river or sea - the choice is yours.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Making Christmas: Rag Wreaths

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: £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

*SOLD OUT* Make a Christmas wreath at the Ulster Folk Museum using sustainable rag materials that you can bring home and use for years to come!

Dates

From:
1 Dec 2024Open 13:30 - 16:00

Price
Price from: £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Exhibition of Children's Viking Art Portaferry

Portaferry

Address

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

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.

Dates

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Mead Making Workshop 11am

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 9182 6846

magnusvikings@gmail.com

Price
Price from: £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Come along and make your own demijohn of Viking mead, under the instruction of local foraging and hedgerow cuisine tutor Alison McGrenaghan and Norway's own Oddgeir Lutzen.

Dates

Price
Price from: £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Big Hide Out

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price from: £9.70 to £25.60 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Calling all budding birdwatchers! This half term, kids are taking over our bird hides. Borrow a pair of binoculars or get crafty and make your own. Discover the wild birds that live in our wetlands – and how to tell them apart. And let your…

Dates

Price
Price from: £9.70 to £25.60 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Easter at Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Holywood, County Antrim, BT180EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price from: £7.00 to £32.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Come along to our Easter celebrations at Ulster Folk Museum from 31st March to 5th April. Discover the origins of the Easter egg, have a go at our themed craft demonstrations and meet our talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills.

Dates

Price
Price from: £7.00 to £32.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Viking Art and Tattooing Talk 12noon

Portaferry

Address

The Hub, Portaferry Sailing Club, 40 Shore Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

World-famous Celtic and Nordic artist, musician and tattooist Sean Parry, will talk about his work.

Dates

More Info
Shore Road

Newtownards

Address

50 Shore Road, Ballyhalbert, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7789 787698

gil.mcc@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Relax and unwind by the sea in a beautiful home that is Shore Road. Perfect location to explore or chill whichever you choose, Close to many activities as well as easy bus access to Belfast.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Viking Age Pottery in Ireland - Part 2

Portaferry

Address

The Hub, Portaferry Sailing Club, 40 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

An archaeologist, specialising in ceramics from the neolithic to the Viking era, will talk about construction and design. This is a two part event, the first of which takes place on 25 March in Strangford. In Part 2, Jacqui will expand on the…

Dates

More Info
Ashville

Newtownards

Address

49 Killyleagh Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6TD

Telephone
02897541986

49ashville@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

A delightful Georgian gentleman’s residence set in the scenic Killinchy countryside (in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This house was built in the 1840s and has been restored sympathetically over the last few years. We are within easy reach…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Specialist Features
- Disabled access rooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Indie Füde - Comber HQ

Comber

Address

30 Castle Street, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9122 6359

hello@indiefude.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink Shops

Indie Füde is a deli, but not like any other… Their name originates from thier two main philosophies:indigenous and independent. They exclusively sell small batch artisan products from the beautiful and bountiful island of Ireland – all 700 of them…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking - Large carpark near by at the towns Leisure Centre. And some street parking available outside store.
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Noble

Holywood

Address

27 Church Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BU

Telephone
+ (44) 028 9042 5655

info@nobleholywood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Noble is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Holywood, County Down. Featuring a changing, seasonal menu and an evolving, exciting wine list. The menu features an array of well-priced dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced…

More Info
The Maypole Bar

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 2588

Type

Type:

Bar

The Maypole Bar builds on its roots and keeps a tradition perfectly pairing alongside the rustic, classy and traditional interior. The Maypole Bar is a feel-good bar and you know fine rightly upon entrance you will be given a big greeting and made…

More Info
Picture House Past Day

Holywood

Address

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

Telephone
02890428428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price from: £11.50 to £32.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Celebrate Northern Ireland's picture house past with a day packed with screenings, talks and activities.

Dates

Price
Price from: £11.50 to £32.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Island Hill & North Strangford Nature Reserve

Address

County Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Accessible at low-tide, this walk around Rough Island provides magnificent views of Strangford Lough and is an excellent view point for bird watching.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Splash Cottage

Bangor

Address

7 Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7836 637 637

info@bangorbayselfcatering.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Sea lapping back garden and unparalleled sea views across Belfast Lough to Scotland. The well appointed and recently renovated holiday rental property has three bedrooms sleeping up to a maximum of six people. There is convenient car parking ...

More Info
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Temple of the Winds - Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7792 925 128

info@thesoundhealingspa.com

Type

Type:

Workshop

Join Tessa Ann from The Sound Healing Spa for this Winter Solstice retreat and workshop. Immerse yourself in the magical energy of Mount Stewart’s Temple of the Winds as Tessa delivers a beautiful sound healing experience and workshop.

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 14:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking