Pipe bands, music, dance and festival spirit take centre stage as Bangor Vibes kicks off a weekend of entertainment

29th July 2026

As excitement builds for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, Bangor is preparing to strike the first note with Bangor Beats and Rhythms, a vibrant celebration of Irish music, dance and culture taking place in the city centre on Saturday 1 August from 1pm to 9pm.

The event forms part of Bangor Vibes, a weekend-long programme of music, culture, pipe band competition and family-friendly entertainment taking place across Bangor from 1 to 2 August, transforming the city into a lively seaside festival destination.

Just minutes from Belfast, Bangor offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and spirit of Fleadh season before the main event begins.

Hosted by Cool FM's Rebecca McKinney, Bangor Beats and Rhythms will take centre stage in Holborn Square, showcasing some of the best local traditional music and dance talent. The programme will feature performances from Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Ards CCÉ), high-energy Irish dancing from the Lauren Smyth Academy of Dance, traditional and contemporary songs, interactive set dancing sessions led by Oisín McCann, and a lively grand finale from The Hoolie Hootenanny.

A vibrant festival atmosphere will fill the city centre, with visitors invited to enjoy live entertainment, discover local talent, soak up the buzz in Bangor’s cafés, bars and restaurants, and explore the city’s stunning coastal setting. These experiences will sit alongside one of the weekend’s headline attractions: the 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships, returning to Ward Park on Saturday 1 August from 11am to 6pm.

The prestigious competition will welcome pipe bands from across Northern Ireland and beyond, bringing colour, pageantry and the stirring sound of pipes and drums to the heart of Bangor for a full day of spectacle and skill. As the Championships draw to a close, the city will come alive once more with a special End-of-Day Parade, filling Bangor with the unmistakable energy of pipes and drums.

Adding to the celebrations, Bangor Amplified, proudly sponsored by Bangor Chamber of Commerce, will run from 31 July to 2 August, bringing a host of traditional bands, talented musicians and Irish music sessions to pubs and venues across the city centre. To enhance the festival atmosphere, Crosby Street and Mill Row will be closed to traffic on 1 August, creating a vibrant space for visitors to enjoy the festivities.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said:

“Bangor Beats and Rhythms is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bangor at its very best and to bring the city to life through music, dance and entertainment. From the traditional music and dance in Holborn Square to the colour and spectacle of the 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Ward Park, Bangor Vibes will offer a fantastic weekend of culture, hospitality and celebration.

“As the Fleadh gets ready to open its doors in Belfast, we want to capture some of the excitement and welcome visitors to Bangor to enjoy our fantastic hospitality and beautiful coastal setting. Bangor is the perfect place to start the Fleadh celebrations and we look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far.”

With the spectacle of the Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Ward Park, live music across the city, Bangor Beats and Rhythms capturing the spirit of the Fleadh, family-friendly entertainment and Bangor's renowned hospitality on offer, Bangor Vibes promises a memorable weekend that reflects the warmth, creativity and rich musical heritage of the area.

For full programme details and to plan your visit, go to www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/bangorvibes.