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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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Textile Takeover

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: £11.50 to £24.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

Shop vintage, learn skills to repair your favourite clothes and discover sustainable textiles at Textile Takeover on Saturday 12th October. We'll be joined by a range of experts, makers, designers and sellers on this exciting day of demonstrations,…

Dates

Price
Price from: £11.50 to £24.50 Per Ticket

More Info
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 - Coppersmithing Workshop With Lake and Oak, Sat 10am

(on the green area after Exploris), Portaferry

Address

The Viking Tented Village, 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
Alfreds Snug

Bangor

Address

33 Alfred Street, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5DJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7895536479

Davidkenny2797@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Two bedroom apartment right in the town centre. Within walking distance to the Aurora leisure centre, bus & train station and marina.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Whiterock

Killinchy

Address

66A Whiterock Road, Killinchy, Co Down, BT23 6PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9600 0260

info@staybelfastapartments.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Bring the whole family to this great place with lots of room for fun. Right beside Strangford Yatch Club. Large home with double garage, sleeps up to 8 people.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Willow Lodge

Bangor

Address

55A Upper Gransha Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7QE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7872 837056

Greg@fieldofdreamsni.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Field of Dream's inaugural lodge provides a picturesque retreat for families or couples seeking a short stay escape. Our Nordic inspired lodge offers rustic yet contemporary design comforts. Activities onsite allow visitors to "Play & Stay". After…

More Info
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Historical Walking Tour, Fri 2pm

Strangford

Address

Lobster Pot Restaurant, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

events@lakesvikings.com

Price
Price from: £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Walking Tour Strangford led by Brigid Watson of Sustainable Journeys Ireland, with a Viking and natural history emphasis.

Dates

Price
Price from: £3.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Seal Bay Cottage

Newtownards

Address

Ballywalter Road, 4 Ballyhaskin Cottages, Millisle, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7977 414 404

Paul@yogen.co

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Fully renovated in 2020/21, our aim was to deliver the comforts of modern living but as a beach house, it's all about getting outdoors and enjoying the large garden, quiet beach and of course a base to experience the beautiful Ards peninsula.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

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

An archaeologist, specialising in ceramics from the neolithic to the Viking era, will talk about construction & design. She will show replica items made in her own kiln. In Part 1 on Friday, Jacqui will talk about the extensive Neolithic ceramic…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Wizards and Witches School of Drawing

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain road, Comber, County Down, BT236EA

Telephone
02891874146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price from: £6.35 to £9.70 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join the wizarding and witching school of fine arts and draw your very own mythical and magical wetland creature under the tutorship of a very old expert in such things.

Dates

Price
Price from: £6.35 to £9.70 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ropewalk Cottage

Newtownards

Address

5H The Ropewalk, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7917 717 157

roewalkcottage@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

A stone’s throw from the shore, ideally placed to enjoy a relaxing visit to local restaurants, attractions and great outdoor activities on both sides of Strangford Lough. A lovingly restyled cosy cottage, filled with treasures and curios to enjoy in…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - On site parking available with prior notification
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Moorings

Newtownards

Address

121 Whiterock Bay, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7703 498044

darnley60@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Bookings are made through Airbnb and cost is £201 per night with a minimum stay of 2 nights and there is a 10% reduction for bookings of a week or more. There is also a £30 cleaning charge and Airbnb fees.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
Visit Santa at Ulster Folk Museum

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: £33.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Nestled in the RIC Station at the Ulster Folk Museum, a jolly fellow with rosy cheeks and a snow white beard has been spotted toasting his toes by the fire.

Dates

From:
30 Nov 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00
From:
20 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Price from: £33.50 Per Ticket

More Info
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
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
The Kitesurf Academy

Newtownards

Address

Hawthorn Hill, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8ET

Telephone
+44 (0) 7842 555 315

info@thekitesurfacademy.com

Type

Type:

Kitesurfing

IKO kitesurfing school based in North Down. Certified IKO Level 2 Instructor with over 12 years of teaching experience. Focused on delivering the highest levels of service on a personal level.
We only use the latest and best kitesurfing equipment…

More Info
The Walled Garden Helen's Bay

Helen's Bay

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 7704 456 109

info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Type

Type:

Garden

The Walled Garden,Helen's Bay, was built in 1886 by Belfast cotton and muslin manufacturer,Thomas Workman, to supply fresh fruit and vegetables for his household in nearby, Lanyon designed, Craigdarragh House.
We bought this "secret" kitchen…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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