The official website of Visit Ards and North Down

You are here: What's on > Event Highlights

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: 885

, currently showing 861 to 880.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Elvis Spectacular

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Fronted by European Elvis Champion Ciaran Houlihan, this fully live 8 piece band was put together BY FANS FOR FANS.
The King is back!

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Copeland Distillery Tour

Donaghadee

Address

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

Telephone
+44 2891624000

tours@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Price £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

From:
21 Sept 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
28 Sept 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
5 Oct 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
12 Oct 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
19 Oct 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
26 Oct 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00
From:
2 Nov 2024Open 17:00 - 19:00

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Jake O'Kane: The Absent Intelligence Tour

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

David Hull Promotions Presents – Jake O'Kane's "The Absent Intelligence Tour"
Jake O'Kane, one of the country's most popular stand-up comics returns along with the talented Terry McHugh for his annual end of year review show.

Dates

From:
10 Jan 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Willie Drennan's Journey of the Ulster Muse

Newtownards

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

In this new show by Willie Drennan, you'll experience a musical journey, from ancient times to the present and beyond, exploring origins, crossovers and influences from near and far.
The journey brings to life how music was inspired and shared…

Dates

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Burns Night Supper

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
028 9131 3969

hello@mcbridesonthesquare.co.uk

Price
Price £39.95 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Join us for a Burns Night Supper, Paula McIntyre has taken over our kitchen and created a sumptious menu for you. Echlinville Distillery have created drinks to enjoy with each course making it a Burns Night to remember

Dates

Price
Price £39.95 Per Ticket

More Info
Think You Know Portaferry? A Guided Tour

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

There's some fascinating architectural and cultural heritage in Portaferry - if only those walls could talk!
This tour will take 1.5 hours and finish with a wee tipple in a local hostelry.
Please wear comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ulster-Scots Guided Maritime Walking Tour

Portaferry

Address

Starts outside Portaferry Sailing Club, 38 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
07763 898 074

brigid@sustainablejourneysireland.com

Price
Price £22.38 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Guided Walk

Ulster Scots themed guide maritime tour of Portaferry. Cookery demonstration and light lunch afterwards in Deli-licious cafe.

Dates

Price
Price £22.38 Per Ticket

More Info
Memory Of Water by Holywood Players

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangordramaclub@gmail.com

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Theatre

A dark comedy by Shelagh Stephenson, winner of the Olivier Award for best Comedy. Performed by Holywood Players. Memory of Water won the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

Dates

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Game’s Afoot (Holmes For The Holidays)

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

Price
Price £13.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Play

Bangor Drama Club invites you to try to solve a farcical murder mystery that is stumping the greatest Sherlock Holmes wannabe, the famed actor, William Gillette. Gillette leads his band of actors on a wild romp trying to work out who dunnit. Can…

Dates

Price
Price £13.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Anthony Toner

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Anthony Toner returns to the Portico of Ards for the first time since 2019, to celebrate the release of Ghost Notes Vol 2, a brand new collection of cover songs (written by everyone from Randy Newman to King Crimson), rendered in his usual warm,…

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dave Elliott: Role Play

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £16.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

David Hull Promotions Presents – Dave Elliott's Roleplay
Following two headline shows at the famed Ulster Hall and special guest appearances on the Tea with Me Podcast at the SSE Arena and the Blame Game, Dave Elliott is back with his brand-new…

Dates

Price
Price £16.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Réalta

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Traditional Irish music by Réalta is joyous, energetic, foot-stomping, unforgettable and unmissable!
Réalta, the dynamic Ulster-based Irish traditional group, have delivered their eagerly anticipated third studio album, Thing Of The Earth. The band…

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
American Trucking Driving Experience

Newtownards

Address

Ulster Flying Club, 61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

Telephone
028 9181 3327

fly@ulsterflyingclub.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Family Fun Day with Trucking driving experiences, Monster Truck Displays and Mini Trucks

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Creative Christmas Ceramics

Millise

Address

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

Telephone
028 9186 2300

sales@edenpotteryshop.co.uk

Type

Type:

Workshop

Creative Christmas Ceramics at Eden Pottery. Come and use our hand cut festive sponge shapes on our handmade pottery shapes to make a long lasting Christmas gift for a loved one!

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wish Upon a Star

Newtownards

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)7920 828 608

ardschoral@gmail.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

A celebration of music

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Piano Recital: Xenia Pestova Bennett performs Hans Otte's "Book of Sounds"

Bangor

Address

Bangor Carnegie Library, 80 Hamilton Road, Bangor, Down, BT20 4LH

Telephone
07938 036 475

mail@xeniapestovabennett.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Acclaimed pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett performs Hans Otte's beautiful and healing work for solo piano, 'The Book of Sounds'.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Jake O'Kane: Cheaper Than Sitting At Home

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS PRESENTS.....
Accompanied by the ever-funny Terry McHugh, Jake casts his caustic eye over the preceding twelve months. Make it your New Year's resolution to buy yourself a guaranteed laugh. After all, it'll probably be cheaper…

Dates

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Galentine's Afternoon Tea & Movie

Crawfordsburn, Bangor

Address

The Old Inn, 15-25 Main Street, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9185 3255

reservations@theoldinn.com

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Afternoon Tea & Mamma Mia movie

Dates

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Mighty Pumpkin Hunt

Newtownards

Address

Throughout the town, Starting from 3 Conway Square, Newtownards, Down, BT23 4DA

Telephone
07789 208 477

hello@ardschamber.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Halloween

Let your Munchkins find the Pumpkins! The Mighty Pumpkin Hunt.

Dates

Price
Free

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 £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 £5.00 to £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking