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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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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
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
Halloween Walking Tour (Wed)

Newtownards

Address

Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9182 6846

p.whitla@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Price from: £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join Valhalla Street Theatre as they take to the street of Newtownards this Halloween, for an event of spooky stories and sketchy characters!

Dates

Price
Price from: £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
BBC Radio 3 Piano and Oboe Recital: Michael McHale and Juliana Koch

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, 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

The second in the trilogy of concerts by Michael McHale and friends being recorded by BBC Radio 3 over one weekend.
Belfast pianist Michael McHale presents three special concerts in Portico in association with BBC Radio 3, comprising an opening…

Dates

From:
1 Feb 2025Open 13:00 - 14:00

Price
Price from: £5.00 to £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sold Out - The Whistlin' Donkeys

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £27.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

**This event is now sold out**
A unique fusion of Irish folk and Celtic rock that has captivated audiences around the world.
The Whistlin' Donkeys is a remarkable Irish Folk band hailing from County Tyrone which has been making waves for the past…

Dates

From:
18 Jan 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00

Price
Price from: £27.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Murder Mystery Trail

Bangor

Address

Starts at 4 Abbey St, Bangor, County Down, BT16 1JS

Telephone
028 9127 0069

info@whodunithunts.com

Price
Price from: £5.99 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

The Bangor Whodunit Hunt is a self-guided, walking murder mystery trail. A fun way to explore this seaside town. Be Sherlock Holmes for a day! Solve the case correctly during the event week and be rewarded with a certificate and discount code at…

Dates

Price
Price from: £5.99 Per Ticket

More Info
Live Music at The Copeland Distillery

Manor Street, Donaghadee

Address

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

Telephone
028 9162 4000

laura@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

Live music at The Copeland Distillery

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Winter Wreaths Workshop

Bangor

Address

The Courtyard, Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
07979 304 703

michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Price
Price from: £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Start the festive celebrations with a seasonal crafty workshop and guided walk at the exclusive Clandeboye Estate, County Down.

Dates

From:
8 Dec 2024Open 10:30 - 13:30

Price
Price from: £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Jazz Sunday at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Down, Newtownards, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Concert

Jazz on the lawn at Mount Stewart, see the summer out in style!

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Panoramic Wheel Presents Panoramic Park

Bangor

Address

Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
07702754542

info@panoramicwheel.com

Price
Price from: £3.00 to £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Panoramic Park at Bangors McKee Clock Arena. Open daily 12pm to 9pm with a range of family attractions.

Dates

Price
Price from: £3.00 to £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Discover Groomsport's Big Picnic

Main Street, Groomsport

Address

Cockle Row Cottages, The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
07979335265

discovergroomsport@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

Big Community Picnic, with activities and music for all the family.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
The Henry Girls and Lore

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

The Henry Girls and Lore join forces to create a double whammy of gorgeous folk fabulousness!
The Henry Girls are sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin from the most northerly part of Co. Donegal. The trio formed as a professional music group…

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2024Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price from: £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Paddy Raff: Here's One For Ya!

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

Here's One For Ya!' is a show not to be missed!
Paddy Raff is hitting the road again in 2025 following the success of his last show, the biggest selling NI stand-up comedy tour of 2024 seen by a whopping 15,000+ people!

Dates

From:
17 Oct 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price from: £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Studio Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert

Bangor

Address

St Comgall’s Parish Centre, 27 Brunswick Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3DS

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £8.00 to £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Certain to warm the heart of even Ebenezer Scrooge, the Studio Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Comgall's Parish Centre, Brunswick Road, Bangor at 8pm on Saturday 30th November for a Christmas Concert guaranteed to get everyone in a festive mood!

Dates

From:
30 Nov 2024

Price
Price from: £8.00 to £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Clyde Duo

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 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Moving On Music is delighted to present the Clyde Duo consisting of Irish Flautist, Aisling Agnew and Welsh Harpist, Sharron Griffiths.
Aisling and Sharron share a passion for performing music from the beautiful vast flute and harp repertoire…

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2024Open 15:00 - 16:30

Price
Price from: £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Celebrating the Eagle Wing

Groomsport

Address

Various Locations, Groomsport, Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
07979 335 265

discovergroomsport@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

Come and discover the history and heritage of the village through a weekend of various activities and events.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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)
Late-Night Christmas Shopping

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

North Down Museum, Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

Telephone
028 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

To launch North Down Museum's Pop-Up Christmas Shop, the museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event.

Dates

From:
28 Nov 2024Open 18:00 - 20:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Kilkennys

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

Back by popular demand! These guys went down a storm last year - not to be missed!
A traditional Irish folk and ballad band, The Kilkennys are noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances and charisma!
"The Kilkennys are a great…

Dates

From:
30 May 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price from: £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking