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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) and Ards and North Down Borough Council are pleased host the United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships on Saturday 18 May in the Ward Arras area of Ward Park, off Gransha Road. 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, working in partnership with the Holywood District Community 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.

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United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships

Bangor

Address

Ward Arras at Ward Park, Gransha Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4UL

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

info@rspbani.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Competition / Game

The largest pipe band and drum major contest to be held in Northern Ireland this year! This 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.

Dates

From:
18 May 2024

Price
Free

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
Summer Sunday's at Cockle Row - July

Groomsport

Address

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

Telephone
+44(0)28 9127 2269

cocklerow@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Each Sunday there will be activity between 2pm – 4pm, check out this month's programme. We hope you can come along and enjoy an afternoon with us!

Dates

More Info
Discovery Hub: What the SeaSaw

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

An exhibition of beach finds; the highs and lows of County Down beachcombing. A thought-provoking display by What the SeaSaw, highlighting small actions we can all take to connect with our natural world and protect marine life.

Dates

From:

31 May 2024to26 June 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Discovery Hub: The Echlinville Distillery and Estate

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

Discover the story of Ireland's first farm distillery. The Echlinville Distillery craft award winning Irish whiskey,gin and poitin from field to glass in the heart of the Ards Peninsula, with excellence instilled in every glass.

Dates

From:

30 Mar 2024to29 Apr 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Donaghadee New Year's Day Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Donaghadee

Address

Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour, The Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0DG

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
Sunrise in the East - Experience AND 2024

Portavogie

Address

Tour departs from Portavogie Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Outdoors Event

Join East Coast Boat Tours for a boat trip like no other. Simon and crew will welcome you aboard this early morning trip to watch the sunrise from the Eastern most point of the island of Ireland

Dates

From:
7 Sept 2024

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Country Skills Day at Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Join us in celebrating our traditions and heritage country skills.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Christmas Switch On

Bangor

Address

City Centre, Centred around McKee Clock, seafront, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

A festive day for all - from food markets to gifting markets, entertainment, music, with the switch on of the Christmas Tree lights.

Dates

From:
23 Nov 2024

Price
Free

More Info
Summer Solstice Voyage of Discovery - Experience AND 2024

Portaferry

Address

Tour departs from the slipway at Portaferry Harbour, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
028 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Strangford Lough on board the St Brendan. Cruise between the islands and inlets of this area of outstanding beauty while being entertained by stories of pagan folklore and enjoy traditional Irish…

Dates

From:
20 June 2024

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
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

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
Electric Picnic - Experience AND 2024

Sketrick Island, Killinchy

Address

Strangford Lough Activity Centre, 40 Whiterock Road, Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6HQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This experience is a Guided Electric Bike Tour around the shoreline of stunning Strangford Lough, with an artisan picnic - thrill your senses with this adventure around one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Dates

From:
19 May 2024

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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
Comber Historical Walking Tour - Experience AND 2024

Comber

Address

Tour departs from the gates of St Mary's Parish Church, The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Comber may be small in size but is big in terms of history. Come along to discover what we mean!

Dates

From:
22 June 2024

Price
Price £6.00 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

From:
7 July 2024

Price
Price £14.00 Per Ticket

More Info
SOLD OUT: SUP, Sauna and Swim - Experience AND 2024

Sketrick Island, Killinchy

Address

Strangford Lough Activity Centre, 40 Whiterock Road, Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6HQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Outdoors Event

This experience is now sold out. For similar experiences visit the Strangford Lough Activity Centre website.
Enjoy the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation at Strangford Lough Activity Centre's exclusive SUP Paddleboard events, in…

Dates

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Gardens & Gin - Experience AND 2024

Newtownards

Address

Tour will depart by coach from Ards Visitor Information Centre,, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A New for 2024 escorted excursion by coach - Visit the National Trust's Mount Stewart Estate, where their knowledgeable team will guide you through the spectacular gardens, before making your way to Echlinville Distillery to learn about how gin is…

Dates

From:
27 July 2024

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Gothic Abbey & Physic Garden Tour - Experience AND 2024

Greyabbey

Address

Tour departs on foot from Grey Abbey ruins , Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

This is a truly unique tour, an opportunity to learn how herbs and plants have been used medicinally for centuries to present day, with a tour of a piece of the Borough’s history.

Dates

From:
27 July 2024

Price
Price £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
A Posh Picnic 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 £55.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

This beautiful, relaxed dining experience will showcase the Walled Garden Helen's Bay in all its spring beauty. Deckchairs, rugs and cushions will adorn the garden of Old Mill House where you can unwind and sample the delights in traditional picnic…

Dates

From:
18 May 2024

Price
Price £55.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Paws for Gin in Donaghadee - Experience AND 2024

Donaghadee

Address

Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour, 82 Moat Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Discover the history of Donaghadee on this dog friendly walking tour. After the tour enjoy a gin cocktail, or a soft drink, in the Pier 36 Beer Garden. A great way to see the fictional town of Port Devine of BBC One's Hope Street and the fictional…

Dates

From:
4 Aug 2024

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside