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A programme of Tourism funded events - from festivals for the family to music, sailing and more. There really is something for all!- The Young Aspects Festival in Ards and North Down celebrates creativity, imagination and storytelling for young people of all ages.
- For guitar aficionados everywhere, Ards International Guitar Festival is a celebration of guitar music every April in Newtownards — featuring gigs, free fringe events, guitar clinics and a gallery exhibition, showcasing blues, folk, rock, classical and more from the most talented local and international artists.
- A day of celebration featuring traditional maypole dancing, live music, entertainment, and bric-a-brac and food stalls creating a carnival atmosphere in this charming town.
- Celebrate the City of Bangor’s rich maritime heritage with family fun activities, entertainment for all, delicious food and live music.
- The historic Bangor Castle Walled Garden becomes an outdoor art gallery — showcasing contemporary sculptures by artists from across Ireland. Expect a mix of large scale installations and delicate garden scale artworks scattered among the blooms, all free to explore and enjoy.
- Enjoy local food and drink experiences celebrating the PGI status of the famous Comber Earlies Potato.
- Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound. Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound, as talented pipe bands and drum major groups come together competing for coveted awards.
- Every August, the Borough of Ards and North Down comes alive with art and craft — a month long celebration featuring exhibitions, open studios, live craft demonstrations, and workshops where visitors can view, buy or even make unique handmade pieces.
- Experience the Creative Peninsula Twilight Market and Arts Night, Friday 7 August, in Conway Square, Newtownards, where local artists, makers and performers come together for an evening of craft, music, food and family-friendly fun.
- A showcase of local food and drink with a series of seasonal foodie-themed events, with Tide and Turf Portavogie on Saturday 12 September celebrating local delicacies. Programme highlights will also include Stargazing at Ballyhalbert's Burr Point, Demo and Dine, a unique dining experience at Portavogie Harbour, a Taste AND food market, and Chilli Festival.
- A celebration of Irish Writing - Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival — each autumn Bangor becomes a hub for reading, writing and creative inspiration.
- Events celebrating the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough, with free entry to explore both locations, fascinating talks, and fun activities for all ages and everyone who loves nature.
- Ards Puppet Festival transforms Ards Arts Centre into a magical world of puppetry each October — with puppet theatre shows, a puppet exhibition and hands on puppet making workshops.
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