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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: 818

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Spirits of the East Coast - Experience AND 2024

Donaghadee

Address

Tour departs from Grace Neill's bar and restaurant, 33 High Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0AH

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

New tour for 2024! Join Nicky Jones of Experience & Explore NI, on a spooky Halloween jaunt around Donaghadee. Hear some ghoulish tales as we wander through the haunted streets of the old harbour town.

Dates

From:
31 Oct 2024

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Strangford Lough Boat Tour - Experience AND 2024

Portaferry

Address

Tour departs from the Slipway, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. Join Tour Guide John Murray and take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the splendour of Strangford Loughs scenery and fascinating wildlife.

Dates

From:
24 Aug 2024

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Newtownards New Years Day Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

High Street, Newtownards

Address

Tour departs Town Hall/Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Makes a great Christmas gift! This would make for something different to do on New Year's Day.

Dates

From:
1 Jan 2025

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Discovery Hub: The AONB Photography Competition

Newtownards

Address

Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

'Magnificent Mourne Gullion Strangford! Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the seasons.'
A display of the winners and finalists in this annual amateur photography competition held by the management teams of the Ring of Gullion, Mournes…

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2024to16 Nov 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Felting with Bees in The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay - Experience AND 2024

Helen's Bay

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

Price
Price £75.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Craft

A beautiful day spent at The Walled Garden Helen's Bay, where you will enjoy an insight into the importance of Black Irish bee conservation before you join local crafter Karen Stevenson, who will guide you step by step in the creation of a…

Dates

Price
Price £75.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Tide and Turf Portavogie

Portavogie

Address

Fish Market and Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The beautiful harbour village of Portavogie will host a celebration of delicious local produce as well as the Borough's finest food and drink on Saturday 7 September with Tide and Turf.

Dates

From:
7 Sept 2024Open 12:00 - 17:00

Price
Free

More Info
Bangor Weekly Market

Bangor

Address

ASDA Car Park, Castle Square, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4SP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 8006

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Outdoor Market

Bangor market has been a tradition for many years and the go to for local fresh produce. Situated in ASDA car park every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm with stalls offering a wide selection of the fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh local fish, seasonal…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
CANCELLED: Well-Spring at Mount Stewart - Experience AND 2024

Newtownards

Address

National Trust - Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Outdoors Event

This experience has been cancelled. Step away from your everyday and join Tessa Ann, from The Sound Healing Spa, for three carefully curated wellbeing sessions at National Trust-Mount Stewart, one of Northern Irelands most beautiful House and…

Dates

Price
Price £95.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Noble at The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay - Experience AND 2024

Helen's Bay

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

Price
Price £100.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The experience is now sold out. For similar experiences visit The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay website.
You are warmly invited to a unique dining experience at The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay; an enchanting setting that will serve as the backdrop for…

Dates

From:
6 Sept 2024

Price
Price £100.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Emerald Isle Highland Dance Festival

Comber

Address

Nendrum College, Darragh Road, Comber, Down, BT23 5BX

Telephone
07809 695 205

organising.committee@nihda.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The proceedings will commence with The Ards and North Down Highland Dancing Competition on Saturday 27th July.
Later in the afternoon there will be a Choreography Showcase from the Premier Dancers.
On Sunday 28th July, dancers compete in the…

Dates

From:

27 July 2024to29 July 2024Open 09:00 - 17:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
SOLD OUT: Step Back in Time - Experience AND 2024

(Can be accessed from Abbey Street too), Bangor

Address

Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Road, (Can be accessed from Abbey Street too), Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JE.

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out.
Step back in time with and uncover stories of Bangor's fascinating past.

Dates

From:
17 Aug 2024

Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows - Experience AND 2024

Orlock, Groomsport

Address

Ballyboley Dexters - Alexander Farm, 26 Orlock Road, Orlock, Groomsport, County Down

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £12.50 to £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

This experience is now sold out. Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows is a unique farm experience hosted at Ballyboley Dexters, Orlock, on the coast between Donaghadee and Groomsport.

Dates

Price
Price £12.50 to £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Bangor Bay D-day Boat Trip - Experience AND 2024

Bangor

Address

Tour departs from the Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Off the Promenade at the seafront, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. For more similar experiences see the remainder of the Experience AND programme or contact one of our Visitor Information Centre's who will be happy to point you in the right direction for various tours on offer in…

Dates

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Apple Harvest Cooking and Lunch Experience with Lightfoot - Experience AND 2024

153 Bangor Road, Cultra

Address

The Photographers Studio, Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The experience is now sold out.
Come along to this beautiful autumnal experience at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra in collaboration with Lightfoot Bangor, for a unique apple harvest lunch.

Dates

From:
7 Sept 2024

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: Newtownards Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Off High Street, Newtownards

Address

Tour departs Town Hall/Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Off High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is now sold out. Explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards. The tour, led by expert guide Paul Whitla, will take you on a journey through time. Immerse yourself in the history of Newtownards.

Dates

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Trad & Tide Bangor Bay - Experience AND 2024

Bangor

Address

Tour departs from the Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

**This would make a great Father's Day gift!** Step aboard the Ocean Crest, Skipper Brian Meharg will navigate Bangor's beautiful coastline while telling you some salty tales. Then sit back, relax and be entertained by local musicians, Clanreagh.

Dates

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Discovery Hub: a Finnish/Irish creative liaison

31 Regent Street, Newtownards

Address

Ards Visitor Information Centre, Beside the Bus Station, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

This exhibition, part of Creative Peninsula 2024, features a Finnish/Irish creative liaison driven by a love of the natural environment and innovative ways of working with natural materials.

Dates

From:

1 Aug 2024to29 Aug 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Wee Birds Art Workshop - Experience AND 2024

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Craft

Families will be welcomed by Marianne from Boom! Studios, based in Bangor, who will lead a "Wee Birds" art session. This is a mixed media session using collage to create birds inspired by the WWT Castle Espie wildlife and landscape.

Dates

From:
26 Aug 2024

Price
Price £7.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Jenny Watts Boat Trip - Experience AND 2024

Bangor

Address

Tour departs from the Jetty, Pickie Funpark, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Join Brian Meharg, author of the children's book "Jenny Watts Legend" and skipper of the Ocean Crest, as he invites you aboard to hear the story of infamous smuggler, Jenny Watt while enjoying a cruise around beautiful Bangor Bay, off Belfast…

Dates

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Alpaca and Tree Planting Experience (Sun) - Experience AND 2024

Carrowdore

Address

Eastwell Farm, 6 Ballyblack Road East, Carrowdore, County Down, BT22 2HH

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Andy and Joanne welcome you to Eastwell Farm for a festive experience with a difference. As you tour the farm watch out for the pigmy goats and chickens and of course you will get to meet the Alpacas and after your tour you are invited you to pick a…

Dates

From:
8 Dec 2024

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info