Tide and Turf Portavogie FAQ's

Click here for information on Tide and Turf Portavogie Plan your Trip | Tide and Turf Portavogie Activities | Tide and Turf Portavogie Site Description

1. What are the dates and times of Tide and Turf Food Festival Portavogie?

Saturday 6 September, 12noon – 5pm

2. Where is the festival located?

Tide and Turf Food Festival is located in Portavogie, County Down. A small fishing village on the Ards Peninsula.

54° 27'N Longitude: 05° 26'W | BT22 1EA

Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information.

3. Is there a cost to attend the festival?
This event is free to attend, however there will be a small charge for some activities at events.

This event is part of the wider Taste Autumn programme, this programme has ticketed elements, which are clearly visible on the website.

4. What types of activities will be available for children?
Tide and Turf Food Festival is a family-friendly festival with a range of activities available for families with children of all ages to enjoy. Find out more about the activities available on the Event page.

5. Are there any age restrictions for the activities at the festival?
Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  

6. Will food and drink be available to purchase?
There will be numerous food and drink stalls located at Portavogie Harbour showcasing a range of local and international food producers and vendors, allowing you to purchase items on-site.

There will be fresh water stations, so bring along your refillable bottles and reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event.

The Ards Peninsula and throughout the region has a great selection of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs. Check out our Taste Ards and North Down section.

7. Can you bring your own food and drinks to the festival?
You are welcome to bring your own food and refreshments. However, we ask you to take your litter home with you or use the recycling stations when on-site.

8. Will there be recycling facilities available?

When disposing of rubbish please use the recycling stations when on-site. Please note, the usual waste bins on-site will not be in use during the event. Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin. There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

8. Will there be live entertainment? If so, what kind and when?
Live entertainment will take place throughout the festival with food demonstrations in the festival kitchen and live music on stage.

Find out more about the chefs and music acts performing here.

9. What are the parking options available at the festival?
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information on parking.

10. What accessible parking is available?

Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information on parking.

11. What is the closest bus or train station?
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information on public transport options.

12. Can you provide more details on what the event site is like?

We welcome everyone to Tide and Turf Food Festival Portavogie. We’re delighted to have you join us and are committed to ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please refer to our Site Description for more information here.

13. Is there accommodation nearby?
There is a range of accommodation options available within the borough from family friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering and caravan parks.

More information on a range of accommodation options can be found here. 

14. Are dogs allowed at the festival?

We would advise dog owners this is an extremely busy site with large crowds and loud noises and do not recommend that you bring your dog onto the site. Trained assistance dogs are welcome.

However, if you do plan to attend with your dog, they must be kept on a short lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins. 

15. What happens in case of inclement weather?
The safety and enjoyment of our festival attendees, staff, and performers are our top priorities. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or severe storms, we may temporarily suspend activities or, if necessary, evacuate the area to ensure everyone's safety.

We closely monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the event and will communicate any changes through our official website, social media channels, and on-site announcements. Please check these platforms regularly for updates. In cases where the weather leads to a cancellation on one of the festival days, we will provide updates through our official website and social media channels.

Should we be lucky enough to experience sunny weather, please protect yourself with sun cream, hats and hydrate when at the event. Bring your refillable water bottles and use the water supply available at the event.

16. What safety measures in place at the event?

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees.

Event stewards will be stationed throughout the event site to help and respond to any concerns or emergencies.

Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.

17. What First Aid Provision will there be on site?

First aiders and ambulance services located at the entrance to the site. Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.

18. Attending with children/vulnerable adults?

With crowds anticipated please pick up a wristband, which you can add a contact number to, at the Visitor Information Caravan located at the entrance to the site.

19. Will there be toilets and changing places onsite?

Accessoloo will be in attendance, located at the entrance to the site, beside the childrens activities. Assessoloo is a toilet facility for disabled people that has the right equipment, including Adult Changing Table, Ceiling Hoist, Lavatory, Grab Rails, Hot and Cold Running Water and Heating and Lighting. Find out more about Accessoloo. 

There are public toilets on the event site.

Public Toilets/ Portaloo’s – at the entrance to the site to the left, and opposite the music stage.

20. Who can I contact for more information or general information on the area during the festival?

Visitor Information Caravan | Located  at the entrance to the site, members of our Visitor Information Centre team will be on hand to help with any event queries, wider tourism queries and you can pick up Visit Ards and North Down maps and guides.

You can find out the contact details for our Bangor Visitor Information Centre and Newtownards Visitor Information Centre here.

21. Can I fly my drone at the event?

This event is a no drone zone. Only official event drones authorised by the event organisers are permitted.

22. What is your sustainability policy?
Tourism events aim to showcase the unique assets throughout Ards and North Down and we’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too.

By travelling via public transport and buses provided. There are fresh water stations on site, so bring along your refillable bottles and reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event.

Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the recycling stations. There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

 Read more about Sustainability.

23. Is there an official festival website for updates and information?
For more information on the festival, go to www.visitardsandnorthdown.com.

24. Will there be ATMs on site?

There are no ATMS on site, some providers in the Food Village and Craft Stalls will have contactless card reader, however, please bring along cash.

25. I have lost property at the event; how can I get it back?

There will be a Visitor Information Stand at the site. Please ask here or leave your details. Alternatively, you can contact the Events Office +44(0)28 9127 8051, events@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, the office will reopen on Monday 24 June.

Details subject to change. Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.