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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.

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Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime by 2nd Skin Theatre Company

Bangor

Address

Studio 1a, 1a Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangordramaclub@gmail.com

Price
Price from: £7.00 to £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Pantomime

A family fun pantomime. This reimagined script of Jack and the Beanstalk will take you on twists and turns with laughter, love and magic.

Dates

From:

13 Dec 2024to14 Dec 2024

Price
Price from: £7.00 to £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Breeze

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steele Dickson Ave, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Get ready to experience the ultimate in new music with THE BREEZE, where music with pedigree is guaranteed!
We are thrilled to welcome THE BREEZE to Portico hot on the heels of their first album launch.

Supported by Lottery Project Funding from…

Dates

From:
22 Mar 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price from: £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Springsteen - A Tribute

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steele Dickson Ave, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Get out while you can... Because tramps like us...
With a reputation of authenticity and outstanding musicality, SPRINGSTEEN - A Tribute is a breathtaking high energy show and a must see spectacle for all fans of The Boss.

Dates

From:
22 Feb 2025Open 19:30 - 21:45

Price
Price from: £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sudor Wellness Retreats at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT222AD

Telephone
07834 806 420

info@sudorsauna.co.uk

Type

Type:

Workshop

Sudor Wellness, a leading wellness centre specializing in a traditional Sauna experience, alongside leading practitioners in Yoga, mindfulness, and holistic health, are offering multiple wellbeing events at the wonderful Mount Stewart estate.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Murder In Play by Simon Brett

Bangor

Address

Studio 1a, 1a Studio, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangordramaclub@gmail.com

Price
Price from: £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Play

Bart Players are proud to present the hilarious “Murder in Play” by Simon Brett.

Dates

From:

29 Nov 2024to30 Nov 2024

Price
Price from: £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Portaferry Gala Festival

Portaferry

Address

40 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT221JZ

Telephone
+44 (0)7870 701 620

portaferrygalaoffice@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Festival

This 7 day fun filled community festival has something for everyone!

Dates

More Info
Christmas Day Lunch

Bangor

Address

Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, 10 Estate Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1UR

Telephone
028 9185 2500

christmas@clandeboyelodge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Indulge in a sumptuous feast for you and your family, avoiding the stress of Christmas Day lunch and savouring the finest food, service and ambience. Set in our beautifully styled Clandeboye Suite, enjoy a champagne reception and indulge in a…

Dates

From:
25 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Mighty Pumpkin Hunt

Newtownards

Address

Starts at Stewart Miller, 3 Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4DA

Telephone
07789 208 477

hello@ardschamber.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Halloween

The Mighty Pumpkin Hunt.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Kirkistown Point-to-Point Races

Portavogie

Address

Kirkistown, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9263 9321

info@p2p.ie

Price
Price from: £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sport

The North County Down Hunt host three point-to-points during the season, an Autumn fixture and two Spring fixtures. Point-to-points are horse racing in its purist form and you will often hear it described as the grassroots of horse racing in Ireland…

Dates

Price
Price from: £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sip Snack and Create

Bangor

Address

The Old Market House Bangor, 77 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AP

Telephone
07912 391 041

hello@giftedenterprise.org

Price
Price from: £39.99 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Bookings Now Open for Wreath Workshop at The Old Market House!
We're thrilled to announce that bookings are officially open for our Festive Workshops this December at The Old Market House! Get ready to embrace the holiday season and create…

Dates

From:
3 Dec 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00

Price
Price from: £39.99 Per Ticket

More Info
Simon Leach and Ben Holland

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steele Dickson Ave, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £5.00 to £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

For your Sunday afternoon delight, a wonderful programme for organ and violin with Simon Leach and Ben Holland.
Simon Leach graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1992. An RNCM travel bursary enabled him to travel to Paris to receive…

Dates

From:
19 Jan 2025Open 15:00 - 16:30

Price
Price from: £5.00 to £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Calidore String Quartet

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steele Dickson Ave, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £5.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

The Calidore String Quartet RETURNS to Portico for the first time in almost 10 years bringing an all Beethoven programme that will coincidentally be recorded by BBC Radio 3 for its prestigious Evening Concert slot.
Apart from Portico the Calidore…

Dates

From:
2 Mar 2025Open 15:00 - 16:30

Price
Price from: £5.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Twelfth 2023

Bangor

Address

Town centre, Bangor, Down, BT20 4LE

Telephone
+44(0)28 9070 1122

info@goli.org.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

Bangor will play host to the Twelfth of July celebrations for the first time since it was awarded city status in December 2022.
The seaside venue on the North Down coast will welcome Brethren from Newtownards, Upper Ards, Holywood districts as well…

Dates

More Info
Sip & Shop

Comber

Address

McBrides on the Square, 1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 9131 3969

hello@mcbridesonthesquare.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Annual Sip & Shop
21 Nov @ 7pm

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
The Copeland Distillery Tour

Donaghadee

Address

The Copeland Distillery, Manor Street, Donaghadee, Down, BT21 0HF

Telephone
+44 2891624000

tours@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Price from: £22.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Experience our range of spirits and immerse yourself in the rich history of Co.Down at The Copeland Distillery. Enjoy time to relax in our visitor's centre and take home our Copeland products and merchandise.

Dates

Price
Price from: £22.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
THE BJORN IDENTITY

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Portaferry, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £23.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

World-class, International Tribute to ABBA
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Waterloo!
Musicon Entertainment Presents: The Bjorn Identity
The Bjorn Identity hailing from Northern Ireland, have become one of the most sought-after tribute shows in…

Dates

Price
Price from: £23.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Cultra Manor

Holywood

Address

Cultra Manor, Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, BT180EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nmni.com

Price
Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Celebrate Mother's Day with an Afternoon Tea to remember at Cultra Manor.

Dates

Price
Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Merry Opera: Handel's Messiah

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £15.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

A staged production of Handel's Messiah by the Merry Opera Company, featuring professional Northern Irish musicians.
Twelve professional singers play characters who experience transformation from need and despair to understanding and hope as they…

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 19:15 - 21:30

Price
Price from: £15.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ultimate Strongman & Ultimate Strongwoman 4 Nations Championships

Quay Street, Bangor

Address

McKee Clock Arena, Bangor seafront area, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44(0)7446 908 959

glenn@ultimatestrongman.tv

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Sport

Strongman and Strongwoman comes to Bangor!

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Half-Term Pottery Decorating

Millise

Address

Eden Pottery, 218 Abbey Road, Millise, County Down, BT22 2DH

Telephone
028 9186 2300

sales@edenpotteryshop.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Workshop

Pottery decorating fun, with themes of Halloween and Autumn.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking