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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) in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is delighted to present the United Kingdom Pipe and Drum Major Championships.

The event will take place at Ward Arras area of Ward Park in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 18 May 2024, commencing at 10 am and is supported by and Ards and North Down Borough Council. 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, Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough 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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Screenprinted Garlands - Experience AND 2024

75 Main Street, Bangor

Address

Seacourt Print Workshop, The old Ulster Bank, 75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

The Christmas lights are on in Bangor so time to get inky with screen print at Seacourt Print Workshop, and make and assemble your own handmade garland, perfect to string up on a wall, or gift to a loved one.

Dates

From:
28 Nov 2024

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Ulster Flying Club

Newtownards

Address

61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3327

fly@ulsterflyingclub.com

Type

Type:

Microlight Flying

The Ulster Flying Club offers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure over the picturesque landscapes of Ards & North Down. Take to the skies in either our Microlight C42 or Cessna 172, you will soar above this stunning region,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 09:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Mews Cottage

Bangor

Address

8B Killaire Avenue, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1EW

Telephone
07732627200

mewscottage@live.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Looking for somewhere totally different? Why stay in boring when you can stay in a converted boutique accommodation with stunning views over the Irish Sea to Scotland. Bespoke kitchen with granite worktops, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, ...

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Ballymacashen Cottage

Newtownards

Address

26b Raffrey Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6SF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 113 264

sallystewartmoore@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Traditional 19th century cottage in a rural setting in the heart of County Down, 13 miles from Belfast. Offers a range of outdoor activities (walking, cycling, sailing & scuba diving), local pubs, MICHELIN rated restaurants and a cosy place to relax!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Lilac Tree Cottage

Newtownards

Address

8 Church Street, Grey Abbey, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7980 690 250

janet.hamilton@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Lilac Tree Cottage is one of three cottages we rent in Greyabbey. This 2 bedroom cottage offers all modern conveniences. It is located opposite the beautiful Cistercian Abbey.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Redburn Country Park

Holywood

Address

Old Holywood Road, Holywood, County Down, BT4 2HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Redburn Country Park is set on an escarpment above Belfast Lough. There are 7km of pathways with spectacular views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Environmental Storytelling

Bangor

Address

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, 6 Valentine Road, Bangor, Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0)300 013 3333

andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Environmental Storyteller Janice Witherspoon will host two family storytelling events throughout Bangor's Castle Park and Walled Garden to celebrate Love Parks Week (28 July to 6 August).

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Collection

Frances Street/High Street, Newtownards

Address

Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Frances Street/High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

An exhibition of curated works from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Collection.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
The Cultra Inn

Cultra

Address

Cultra Inn, 111 Bangor Road, Cultra, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

Cultrainn@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We pride ourselves on our high standard of food and service. Using only the finest local produce our wholesome menu has been created by our Head Chef, Mark McMahon, to satisfy all your culinary needs.

More Info
Beachside

Bangor

Address

2 The Briggs, Groomsport, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 6HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7818 036 228

beachside.apt@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Beachside – a modern coastal ground floor apartment centrally located in Groomsport, boasting pleasant sea views. Beach theme styled accommodation offers guests a spacious open plan lounge/dining area, two bedrooms.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
An Evening of Music

Bangor

Address

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4LN

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Bangor Ladies Choir, Donaghadee Male Voice Choir and Peninsula Praise will be coming together in aid of the Mayor’s Charities, for one evening only at the Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor where they’ll perform a myriad of songs for the…

Dates

From:
23 May 2024

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Barr Hall Barns - Apartment

Portaferry

Address

31 Barr Hall Road, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1RQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 1218

hello@dynesresidential.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Barr Hall Barns consists of three 18th Century period cottages in an outstanding tranquil location with panoramic views across Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Ards Peninsula Kite Festival

Ballywalter

Address

Ballywalter Beach, Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

Telephone
+44(0)28 9182 8884

kites@ardspeninsula.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Ards Peninsula Kite Festival – A family fun filled day. See the colourful display kites filling the sky. Create your very own kite in our workshop. Food and craft stalls, music and family entertainment including Sand Sculpture and bouncy castle,…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Made in AND Pop-Up Christmas Shop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

North Down Museum, Bangor, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
028 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum. Browse the museum's galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rosevale Farm Cottages - Annie's

Bangor

Address

76 Cootehall Road, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1UW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2880

welcome@coastalandcountry.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Home comforts in traditional Irish cottages. Two fully refurbished cottages with their origins in the 18th century. One newly-built cottage designed in the vernacular style. Secluded country views. Rare breeds farm. Turf-burning stove. Free Wi-Fi

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tom's Dining Rooms

Bangor

Address

7 Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 1529

skandia.rest@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We have been serving food for over 50 years. Our founder, Mr Tom Davis, started the family run business in 1968 in Belfast. Skandia group consists now of 3 restaurants, Neill's Hill, Acton & Sons, and Tom's part of the Bangor dining scene since 1971.

More Info
Holywood Hill Country Cottages

Holywood

Address

40C & 40D Creighton's Green Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7870 493 651

holywoodhill@gmail.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Holywood Hill Country Cottages, new modern holiday cottages with unique, panoramic views of Belfast Lough, in the heart of the idyllic North Down – only six miles from Belfast City Airport. A great countryside base for exploring Northern Ireland.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Ava Restaurant & Vin Café

Bangor

Address

132 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 5490

info@theava.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in Bangor's town centre directly opposite the bus and train stations. Cosmopolitan in style the Ava Restaurant & Vin Café offers a tapas menu along with a traditional grill menu and fantastic choice of wine.

More Info
The Old Bank

Portaferry

Address

36A The Square, Portaferry, Down, BT22 1LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7870 566 659

mcternans@mac.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

The former banking hall is now a large open plan kitchen and lounge with wood burning stove, master ensuite bedroom with a kingsize bed with twin beds in bedroom two. The Old Bank has a stylish 5 star review rating on Airbnb - luxury accommodation.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Neil Delamere

Portaferry

Address

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

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

"One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine' ***** The Herald
From the man who brought you his Liminal tour last year... (and Subliminal the year before - well, of course you don't remember!)... Here is the Post-liminal event!
This event is part of…

Dates

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking