May Day | Activities

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2026 May Day Map

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The May Day event is organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Holywood and District Community Council.

Always a popular family day out, the May Day celebrations have become a long tradition in the bustling town of Holywood, the gateway to Ards and North Down from Belfast.

The town will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity. Expect delicious savoury and sweet treats on offer from a wide selection of food stalls and browse and buy from the bric-a-brac stalls.

Enjoy mini funfair rides, walkabout street theatre, children’s crafts, Jump Jiggle and Jive and the annual Bonnie Baby Competition as well as a fantastic Maypole Programme.

Musical performances will add to the ambience of a great day out, and of course the display of dance by local school children around the Island's only Maypole is a highlight!

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Fancy Dress Competition 

Children are encouraged to dress up in theme - and this year's theme is "My Hero".

Whether it is a superhero, a real-life hero, or someone special to your, Holywood District Community Council would love to see your amazing costumes!

Dress up and come along to the Maypole, 12.30pm for judging.

All participants will receive a token of thanks for taking part!
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled afternoon of colour, creativity, and community spirit.
We can't wait to see all your fantastic outfits!

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Punch and Judy | Magic Show by Carnival Promotions 

12:00 – 12:30 – Puppet show

12:45 – 1:15 – Magic Show 

1:30 – 2:00 – Puppet Show 

2:15 – 2:45 – Magic Show 

3:00 – 3:30 – Puppet Show 

3:30 – 4:00 – Magic Show

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Plant and Play | 10am - 4pm

Spring themed crafts,  planting seeds and slimed gummy worms workshops

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Jump, Jiggle and Jive | 12 noon - 4pm

Spring themed dance workshops

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Bonnie Baby competition

Registration from 10.30am | Free Presbyterian Church, Holywood. Judging from 11.30am

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Maypole Programme

10.00am | Fair opens with Mayor of Ards and North Down, Cllr Gillian McCollum and crowning of May Queen and May King

11.00am | Maypole Dancers accompanied by Maypole Minstrels

11:45am | Performance of Irish Dancers

12:30pm | Fancy Dress Competition & Prize Giving

1.00pm | Sullivan Prep Choir perform

1:30pm | Maypole Dancers accompanied by Maypole Minstrels

The History of the Maypole

Holywood's maypole is the oldest surviving one on the island of Ireland? It stands proudly in the centre of Holywood town and is a focal point of the annual May Day event.

Read all about it here >> https://bit.ly/3U8gbfE

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Ballykeel Brass Band

Will be performing 11:30am – 12:30 outside Rodgers and Browne estate agents, 76 High Street

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Join the fun of the May Day Mystery Trail!

Holywood and District Community Council invites you to take part in our exciting May Day Mystery Trail around the town!

How it works:

• Stop by our stall to collect your answer sheet
• Follow the trail and solve the riddles hidden around Holywood
• Return to HDCC once you have completed them all to claim your prize!

Bring your friends, family, and a sense of adventure, it’s a great way to explore the town and enjoy some May Day fun together.

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Street Theatre Entertainment

Bee-Yonce  |  Expect attitude and sass, music and stunning dance moves... these 2 are the bees knees... or so they bee-lieve....

Juggling Jester | This Court Jester is loud, lively and energetic. Usually seen bouncing around on jumping stilts he has been known to show off their variety of circus skills.

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Tea Dance

2pm - 4pm | St. Philip and St. James Holywood Parish Church

71 Church Road | BT18 9BX | Note: No parking available at Church

Join Holywood District and Community Council's May Day tea dance led by Ballroom Blitz Dance Team - the chance to enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing and delicious treats!

This is a free event for the over 55yrs in the Holywood and District area.

Limited places available - booking is essential.

Reserve your place via email: holywoodcommunitycouncil@gmail.com

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Other activities throughout the town include...

Historical Walking Tour of Holywood with Ken Martin

Meet Holywood Priory, High Street | 10am
Free to attend | Pre-booking essential
Discover Holywood's fascinating history.
Beginning at The Priory, this engaging tour will explore the stories, heritage and landmarks that have shaped the town over the centuries. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, there's always something new to discover.

Your guide, Ken is an accredited member of Tour Guides NI and holds a prestigious Blue Badge qualification, ensuring a professional, informative, and enjoyable experience.
Tour will last 1.5 hours approx.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

To register your interest, please email:
holywoodcommunitycouncil@gmail.com

Please note, depending on demand, an additional tour may be added for 1pm.

Holywood Methodist Church | Exhibition: 'Knitted journey through the Bible'

11am - 4pm | Entrance free

Enjoy handcrafted scenes and experience Scripture stitch by stitch
Please note, the exhibition also takes place Friday 1 May (6pm - 8pm), Saturday 2 May (2pm - 5pm) and Sunday 3 May (2pm - 5pm).

And, at Holywood Yacht Club...

Holywood Set Dancing Club are holding a Set Dancing Workshop for Adult Beginners, 3pm-5pm.

Tickets £5 per adults, £3 for U21's

Pre-booking required >> Find out more

(This class is not affiliated with HDCC or ANDBC)

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This event is FREE TO ATTEND

[Please note: Charges apply for stall purchases and for some attractions].

This event is Grant Aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council's Tourism Department.

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Make a Break of it and Stay a While 

Stay a while and take a break on our shores. Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway. 

Find out more in our Plan Your Trip section and explore these sections to help create your perfect break:  Plan Your Trip | Things to do | What's On | Experience Ards and North Down | Food and Drink

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Please note, details subject to change.

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Please note, photography and videography may take place at this event: Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff