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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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Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Jewellery Workshop, Sun 10am

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
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Where Celtic & Viking Art Meet - Part 1

Strangford

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

events@lakesvikings.com

Price
Free

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. Part 1 on Friday.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Peg Loom Weaving Workshop Kircubbin

Kircubbin

Address

6 Loughdoo Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 79 6834 2928

kiricottagecrafts@aol.com

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

In use during Viking times, Christine Casey is the foremost exponent of this weaving method. As part of the Viking Festival, come to Christine on Sunday 27th and learn how to use a peg loom a technique used by Vikings to make e.g. bedrolls and…

Dates

Price
Price from: £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Great Uncle Arthur's Astonishing Adventures

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:

Family Fun

Adventure into the hidden world of wildlife with the help of Uncle Arthur's mysterious journal and unusual inventions. And get ready to experience nature in a whole new way!

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Active Adventures NI

Address

Various Locations, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

info@activeadventuresni.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Active Adventures NI offer multiple activity options including Kayak sessions/lessons/courses/tours, SUP sessions/lessons/courses/tours, Surfing experiences/camps/lessons and of course our renowned Coasteering Experiences. We can create a bespoke…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Brent Cove and Brent Lodge

Newtownards

Address

116 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2AH

martyoneill@live.co.uk

Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

Wake to the sound of waves and wildlife and experience jaw dropping sunrise and sunsets without getting out of bed in this newly built property located in a secluded cove of Strangford Lough.

More Info
1 Three A

Bangor

Address

13 Hamilton Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 4LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7921901007

and7rea6@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

A modern style and freshly renovated large city centre studio apartment in Bangor Co Down 5 minute walk to the seafront & marina. Central location with access to local shops, restaurants, coffee shops & activities. The apartment features a double…

More Info
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Bat Night *SOLD OUT*

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
028 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price from: £14.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

At a special late-night opening, discover fascinating bat facts in an expert talk. Then, go bat detecting out on the reserve to see the amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics for yourself!

Dates

Price
Price from: £14.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Toberdoney

Holywood

Address

74A Ballymoney Road, Ballydavey, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7968511724

maltom69@icloud.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Superb self contained apartment in Craigavad, Holywood.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Ballywalter Beach House

Newtownards

Address

18 Main Street, Ballywalter, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 7773 995 346

Julieannneill@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Welcome to Ballywalter Beach House where everything you need is at your finger tips. Located in the heart of Ballywalter, right at the seafront, the property has everything required for a fun filled, action packed family holiday.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free) - on street parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Making Christmas: Traditional Treats

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* From chocolate truffles to traditional mincemeat, make some tasty treats at the Ulster Folk Museum this Christmas!

Dates

From:
23 Nov 2024Open 11:00 - 13:00

Price
Price from: £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Historical Walking Tour, Sun 12.30pm

Portaferry

Address

Portaferry Hotel, 10 The Strand, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price from: £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

A walking tour of Portaferry led by the knowledgeable Brigid Watson of Sustainable Journeys Ireland, with a Viking and natural history emphasis.

Dates

Price
Price from: £3.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Bramble Cottage

Newtownards

Address

21b Magherascouse Road, Comber, Newtownards, Down, BT23 5RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7828 799 127

Karen.walker@live.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Bramble Cottage, hidden gem in Comber near Belfast. Relax and enjoy this beautiful Irish barn conversion that dates back 200 years. Converted in 2023, this old Irish traditional barn is just 10 miles from Belfast and 2 miles from the busy market…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Glide with the Tide

Killinchy

Address

Mobile Team Adventure, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 6695

info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Taking out a kayak is beautiful way to explore Strangford Lough. Down at water level, you are in tune with the tides, time of day and weather conditions. Gliding softly brings you closer to the lough’s wildlife, including seal pups and wild geese.

More Info
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
Park Drive Terrace

Holywood

Address

14 Park Drive, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 9LW

Telephone
+44 (0)7748 466 512

peterrobinson750@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Holywood Town House in Town Centre

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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
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
NI Silver Beginners Jewellery Making Workshops

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down

Telephone
+44 (0) 7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Type

Type:

Workshop

NI Silver is in the business of 'creating memories' for people; memories of their time in Northern Ireland, memories on this earth and memories of special time spent with loved ones. We help you create handmade and handcrafted ‘Wearable Memories’…

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 drives or on our private drive as this needs to be kept clear at all times.
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Pier House

Bangor

Address

4 Victoria Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7702 553 123

Pierhousebangor@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

As well as having fantastic seaviews across Belfast Lough towards the Antrim Coast & to Scotland, this listed property has many of the house's original features, including Oriel window, panelled doors and decorative plasterwork.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi