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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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Elvis Spectacular

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Ready to rock?

Dates

From:
3 Aug 2024Open 19:30 - 22:00

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Paddy Raff: Gimme A Minute SECOND NIGHT

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

He sold out VERY fast on the first night so if you want in... BE QUICK!

Dates

From:
27 Sept 2024Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price £17.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Proud Mary and her City Limits band

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Simply the best tribute to Tina Turner!
Amanda Lane as Tina Turner and her City Limits band are Ireland's no 1 Tribute to the Queen of Rock.

Dates

From:
11 May 2024Open 19:30 - 21:45

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kammer Philharmonie Europa

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

We are delighted to welcome back this wonderful European chamber orchestra.
Founded in 2006 by Leonid Tritus, the Kammerphilharmonie Europa is an orchestra of talented young musicians from 18 countries, nine of which (seven strings, oboe and…

Dates

From:
19 Apr 2024Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Singing Workshop with Peter Corry

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Love to sing?
Peter Corry, star of the West End, has kindly agreed to deliver a two-hour singing workshop for anyone of any ability to come along and get some tips on how to improve their performance.
Places are limited so book early to avoid…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sold out - The Fureys

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £27.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

When The Fureys make their eagerly awaited return visit they will treat their audience to one of popular music's richest legacies.
They are one of Ireland's all-time most acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands.…

Dates

Price
Price £27.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
THE BJORN IDENTITY

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Portaferry, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £23.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

World-class, International Tribute to ABBA
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Waterloo!
Musicon Entertainment Presents: The Bjorn Identity
The Bjorn Identity hailing from Northern Ireland, have become one of the most sought-after tribute shows in…

Dates

From:
16 Nov 2024Open 19:30 - 22:00

Price
Price £23.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Twelfth 2023

Bangor

Address

Town centre, Bangor, Down, BT20 4LE

Telephone
+44(0)28 9070 1122

info@goli.org.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

Bangor will play host to the Twelfth of July celebrations for the first time since it was awarded city status in December 2022.
The seaside venue on the North Down coast will welcome Brethren from Newtownards, Upper Ards, Holywood districts as well…

Dates

More Info
Simon and Garfunkel Through The Years *SOLD OUT!

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

They're Portico bound!
Featuring stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians, this spectacular concert transports you on a journey through the epic songs and history of the much-loved Simon and Garfunkel. "One of the greatest tribute shows…

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Christmas Karaoke with Lady Portia

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

She's back! The gorgeous Lady Portia returns to host a crazy Christmas Karaoke night! Darlings, it'll be fabulous!

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Spring Equinox Family We-Treat

Bangor

Address

2B Castle Square, Bangor, Bangor, Down, BT20 4SR

Telephone
07865942165

riseandshineni@mail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature

Family Yoga, Craft & Nature Wellbeing Event

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Music From The Movies Organ Recital

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

We are delighted to welcome the award-winning organist Aaron Hawthorne to play Music From The Movies on our organ.
Supported by Lottery Project Funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Spring Break

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Europe's premier good-time supergroup!
The best friend a good time ever had!
Spring Break, Europe's premier good-time supergroup, are a five-piece act that have played at hundreds of venues all over Ireland, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Artisan Craft Market - Greyabbey

Greyabbey

Address

Greyabbey Village Hall, 62 Newtownards Rd, Greyabbey, Co Down, BT22 2QH

Telephone
07951 220 530

artisanmarketsni@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Fete / Fair

Artisan Craft Market

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Duncan Irvine Art Studio: Special Christmas Viewing

Donaghadee

Address

41 Hogstown Road, Donaghadee, Down, BT21 0NH

Telephone
07752 994 043

Mgt.russell@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Duncan Irvine Studio of Art. Special Christmas Viewing. No Gallery Fees. Direct from Artist to your Home.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Lurig Drama Group presents "Ottilie" by Philip Johnston

Bangor

Address

Studio 1a, 1a Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Theatre

Ottilie Patterson, born in Comber, County Down, has been called the greatest of all British Blues singers and achieved international success singing with the Chris Barber Band. She shared the stage with many of the greats of Blues and Jazz…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Willie Drennan's Journey of the Ulster Muse

Newtownards

Address

Queen’s Hall, West Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4EN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

In this new show by Willie Drennan, you'll experience a musical journey, from ancient times to the present and beyond, exploring origins, crossovers and influences from near and far.
The journey brings to life how music was inspired and shared…

Dates

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Jazz Sunday at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Down, Newtownards, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Concert

Jazz on the lawn at Mount Stewart, see the summer out in style!

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dave Elliott: Role Play

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £16.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

David Hull Promotions Presents – Dave Elliott's Roleplay
Following two headline shows at the famed Ulster Hall and special guest appearances on the Tea with Me Podcast at the SSE Arena and the Blame Game, Dave Elliott is back with his brand-new…

Dates

From:
8 June 2024Open 19:30 - 21:30

Price
Price £16.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Beethoven Project: John O'Conor and Ailbh McDonaghe

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Meetinghouse Street, Portaferry, Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £10.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

The Beethoven Project: John O'Conor and Ailbhe McDonagh
World renowned Beethoven specialist John O'Conor and Irish cellist Ailbhe McDonagh celebrated Beethoven's 250th anniversary year in 2021 by recording a double album of his complete sonatas for…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking