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.

Events

Food and Drink

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.

We celebrate this offering with our two Taste Ards and North Down events, one in spring and the other autumn. Find out more.

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 May Day Celebrations in the wonderful boutique town of Holywood, our gateway into the borough from Belfast.

The town centre closes it's 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. 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.

The Pipe Band Championships in mid-May are always a spectacular site and sound! Bands from across the UK gather in Bangor or Newtownards, location can differ year on year, for a colourful display, awash with Tartan, bagpipes and stunning skill. Highland Dancers compete alongside the pipe bands on the day too. The whole day makes for a great family event.

June

Rolling into June, we have the Comber Earlies Food Festival. A weekend that celebrates the locally grown and worldwide famous Comber Early potatoe, 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 spud 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 spring' programme of events and markets.

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 the annual visiting Panoramic Wheel
providing views over the marina, Belfast Lough and across the city. As well as Pickie Funpark, just a short walk along the promenade around the marina.

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 Sunday's 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.

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.

Christmas

In November, we welcome in the festive season to the borough with two 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.

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. From Strongmen to traditional music, kite flying to sailing, golfing to festivals,
there is something for everyone!

Find out more about our funded 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.

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Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch On

Newtownards

Address

Town centre, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Join us for fantastic seasonal fun in Newtownards this festive season. The Christmas Market returns along with festive entertainment and Santa’s Grotto at The Precinct, South Street.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Cancelled - Echlinville Distillery at Bull & Claw Portaferry

Portaferry

Address

1 The Strand, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Our Chef will craft a four course dinner inspired by the full range of spirits made by the distillers of Echlinville Distillery and guests get to hear the stories behind heritage brands like…

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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Field to Fork: Comber Earlies Potato and Cocktail Showcase

Comber

Address

McBride's on the Square, 1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 9187 1744

mcbridesota@btconnect.com

Price
Price £49.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. Join the team at McBride's with their friends at Echlinville and Indie Fude for an evening meal that pays homage to the Comber Earlies Spud.

Dates

Price
Price £49.50 Per Ticket

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Taste AND Picnic in the Park

Bangor

Address

Ward Park, Located between Hamilton Road and Castle Park Road, Bangor, BT20 4LH

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. Get that festival feeling and feel those summer vibes with this picnic event in Bangor's Ward Park, with music and a glorious artisanal food offering.

Dates

More Info
Copeland Distillery at Bull & Claw Donagadee

Donaghadee

Address

The Bull & Claw Restaurant, 7-9 Moat Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0DA

Telephone
028 9188 2262

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Chef Craig Beazley crafts a four course dinner inspired by the full range of spirits made by the distillers of at Donaghadee, and guests get to hear about the making of Copeland Distillery.

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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Comber Earlies Sunday Lunch Tour

Comber

Address

Comber town, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. Wind your way around Comber town centre, stopping in renowned locations offering food to stir all the senses.

Dates

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

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Sold Out - Dine at the Dock

Portavogie

Address

Fish Market, Portavogie Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EA

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Celebrity Chef Theo Randall hosts this unique evening showcasing the finest local produce with a 5 course tasting menu curated by himself and the team at the South Eastern Regional College…

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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Donaghadee Moat and Camera Obscura

Donaghadee

Address

The Motte, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0ED

Telephone
0300 013 3333

Home to the only Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland. Seasonal opening May to October.

Dates

More Info
Six at Harbour

Donaghadee

Address

Harbour and Company, 31 The Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Price
Price £39.00 to £63.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Join us for a specially created and seasonally themed 6 course menu by our very own head chef Minde Zelvys. Using fresh locally sourced produce with the option of paired with wines and an…

Dates

Price
Price £39.00 to £63.00 Per Ticket

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New Year’s Day Historic Ards Walk

Newtownards

Address

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

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Start the New Year and shake off the cobwebs from 2021 by exploring the rich and varied history of Newtownards. The tour will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval plantation and Georgian periods discovering the many interesting…

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

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Cancelled: Comber Earlies Food Festival Picnic

Comber

Address

Island Hill, Ringcreevy Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Cancelled: Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. Take part in National Picnic Week, with an afternoon picnic at Island Hill, Comber.

Dates

More Info
Cancelled - Taste AND Artisan Market Donaghadee

Donaghadee

Address

Lemons Wharf, (Near the playground close to the Pier), Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Markets / Fairs

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Enjoy the tastes of the borough at this outdoor artisan food market.
Update, following the sad news of the death of the sovereign Queen Elizabeth II, this event has now been cancelled.

Dates

More Info
Surf and Turf at the Pier with Beer

Donaghadee

Address

Pier 36 Restaurant, The Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Pier 36 is serious about steak, with seafood and streaks paired with yummy local brews, you're in for a real treat.

Dates

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Irish Spirits and Irish Cheese – Meet the Makers at The Echlinville Distillery

Kircubbin

Address

The Echlinville Distillery, 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Ireland first farm distillery – home of Ireland’s best known whiskeys, gins and Poitín along with a selection of Irish cheese by Indie Füde.

Dates

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Comber Earlies Food Festival Spud Tour

Comber

Address

St Marys Church car park to farm at Island Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. On this tour you will visit the stunning location where the Comber Early grows and is harvested, learn a little bit more about them, get involved in harvesting them yourself and lots of…

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Time for Tea at The Walled Garden Helen's Bay

Helen's Bay

Address

The Walled Garden Helen's Bay, 47 Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1UB

Telephone
02891270069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Summer in Ards and North Down programme. This beautiful afternoon will will provide you with a hint of Downtown luxury within the tranquil setting of this picturesque garden.

Dates

More Info
Bangor Christmas light switch on

Bangor

Address

City centre and seafront area, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

On Saturday 19 November from 12 noon – 7pm, enjoy a bit of Christmas magic with a perfect family day out in the City of Bangor. With an indoor and outdoor market, festive music, delicious food and drink, arts and crafts, children’s entertainment,…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Address

The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 2269

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Friday Night Live - Brigid O'Neill Trio

Newtownards

Address

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

Telephone
028 9181 0803

Type

Type:

Live Music

This event is now sold out.

Dates

More Info
SOLD OUT: Gothic Abbey and Physic Garden Tour, Greyabbey - Experience Ards and North Down 2022

Greyabbey

Address

Meeting Point - 129 Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Walking

This event is sold out.
Step back in time into 1193 as you enter one of Ireland’s most impressive examples of early gothic architecture, Grey Abbey. The grounds boast the reconstructed Physic Garden, an area for the cultivation of over 50 herbs and…

Dates

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info