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!
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!
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
Plant and Play | 10am - 4pm
Spring themed crafts, planting seeds and slimed gummy worms workshops
Jump, Jiggle and Jive | 12 noon - 4pm
Spring themed dance workshops
Bonnie Baby competition
Registration from 10.30am | Free Presbyterian Church, Holywood. Judging from 11.30am
More information on the programme of activities coming soon!
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).
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.
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
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
