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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

, currently showing 61 to 80.

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Ards Arts Centre

Newtownards

Address

Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town, the Ards Arts Centres a welcoming space which supports a wide range of community arts activities alongside our own initiatives.

More Info
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Barley Cottage

Greyabbey

Address

8 Ballybryan Road, Greyabbey, Co Down, BT22 2RB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8488

info@barnwellfarmcottages.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

1 of a group of 7 cottages that can accommodate parties of up to 34 people. Barley Cottage is a quaint country cottage suitable for 5 people.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Rockport School

Holywood

Address

Rockport School, Craigavad, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8372

schooloffice@rockportschool.com

Type

Type:

Campus

Local attractions nearby include Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Titanic Belfast. Good variety of restaurants nearby in Holywood, Bangor and Belfast, all easily accessible by car and train.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Ballymenoch Park

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Bay View Apartment

Bangor

Address

116A Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7790918976

amy@bangorbayapartment.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

A large ground floor modern apartment with stunning sea views of Belfast Lough. Two bedrooms (one double & one single), plus double bed sofa bed in spacious open plan large lounge, modern kitchen. Fabulous panoramic sea views from lounge.

More Info
Wolseys Bar & Restaurant

Bangor

Address

24 High Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5BB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 0495

Wolseysbangor@live.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Appropriately described as a 'fixture' in Bangor, County Down, Wolseys Bar & Restaurant has been a favourite meeting place for over 30 years. Wolsey's of Bangor is owned and operated by the Wolsey family.

More Info
Ballymacashen Cottage

Newtownards

Address

26b Raffrey Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6SF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 113 264

sallystewartmoore@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Traditional 19th century cottage in a rural setting in the heart of County Down, 13 miles from Belfast. Offers a range of outdoor activities (walking, cycling, sailing & scuba diving), local pubs, MICHELIN rated restaurants and a cosy place to relax!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Annex by Coach Road Cottages

Newtownards

Address

45 Coach Road, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 5QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7899 967 127

info@coachroadcottages.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Welcome to the Coach Road Cottages, boutique self-catering accommodation surrounded by rural countryside but only a short distance to Belfast by car. You can have privacy or an adventure at some of the local haunts.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
North Down Museum

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Eden Pottery

Millise

Address

218 Abbey Road, Millise, Down, BT22 2DH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9186 2300

sales@edenpotteryshop.co.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Eden Pottery's studio, shop and café are set in the countryside of Ards Peninsula, surrounded by fields, with Strangford Lough on one side and beaches and the seaside on the other. You can come along and create your own masterpiece in the studio.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cuan Marine Services

Portaferry

Address

200a Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 8297

b.rogers@cuanmarineservices.co.uk

Type

Type:

Diving & SubAqua

Marine Surveys, diving, sight seeing trips, fishing trips. All year for some activities and June –October fishing

More Info
Doghouse Gallery

Comber

Address

97-99 Mill Street, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EG

Telephone
028 9187 3655

info@doghousegallery.co.uk

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Doghouse is a stylish and intimate gallery space stocking a large range of crafts from all over the world. One of the best places in Ireland to see and buy quality craft and applied art.

More Info
Crawfordsburn Country Park

Helen's Bay

Address

Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
The Web Theatre

Newtownards

Address

49 North Street, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 8234

info@webtheatre.biz

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

N.I's only privately owned theatre. 120 fully raked seats with professional sound/lighting. resident amateur drama company 2nd Skin. Community cinema specialising in classic and golden oldie movies. Available for birthday parties and charity events

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Goldilocks and the Three Bears

West Street, Newtownards

Address

Queen's Hall, Bangor, West Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4EN

Telephone
02891810803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £8.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Goldilocks! She's off to seek her fortune but soon finds that it is not as easy as she thought.
Meanwhile The Three Bears are hiding a very special honey hive, making honey that helps Santa have a very special breakfast before he sets out for…

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 14:00 - 15:00

Price
Price from: £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Merok Mill House

Bangor

Address

10 Kerrs Road, Gransha, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 636 703

millhouse@merok.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Merok Mill House, a self-contained, open-plan, split-level, 2 bedroom apartment, which sleeps 4-6 people, is particularly suitable for families. Set in beautiful countryside, with Bangor & North Down, and Belfast (Titanic Experience).

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
02891271200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Back by popular demand, a unique shopping experience in the lead up to Christmas at North Down Museum!

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Grey Point Fort

Helen's Bay

Address

Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

Price
Free

More Info
6a Cedar Grove

Bangor

Address

6A, Cedar Grove, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 3EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 1992

superiorshortstays@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

6a Cedar Grove is a contemporary penthouse apartment located off the Bryansburn Road in the most desirable residential Bangor area. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance. A 5 minute walk will take you to the Marina and the Coastal Path.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Balloo Nature Reserve

Bangor

Address

Close to Signal Business Growth Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 4094

naturereserves@ulsterwildlife.org

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Accesible to all and perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna the area is maintained by Ulster Wildlife.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking