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  1. Grant Aided Tourism Events
    A programme of Tourism funded events - from festivals for the family to music, sailing and more. There really is something for all!
  2. Young Aspects Weekend
    The Young Aspects Festival in Ards and North Down celebrates creativity, imagination and storytelling for young people of all ages.
  3. Ards International Guitar Festival 2026
    For guitar aficionados everywhere, Ards International Guitar Festival is a celebration of guitar music every April in Newtownards — featuring gigs, free fringe events, guitar clinics and a gallery exhibition, showcasing blues, folk, rock, classical and more from the most talented local and international artists.
  4. May Day
    A day of celebration featuring traditional maypole dancing, live music, entertainment, and bric-a-brac and food stalls creating a carnival atmosphere in this charming town.
  5. Sea Bangor
    Celebrate the City of Bangor’s rich maritime heritage with family fun activities, entertainment for all, delicious food and live music.
  6. ForM Sculpture Exhibition
    The historic Bangor Castle Walled Garden becomes an outdoor art gallery — showcasing contemporary sculptures by artists from across Ireland. Expect a mix of large scale installations and delicate garden scale artworks scattered among the blooms, all free to explore and enjoy.
  7. Taste Summer in Ards and North Down
    Enjoy local food and drink experiences celebrating the PGI status of the famous Comber Earlies Potato.
  8. 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships
    Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound. Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound, as talented pipe bands and drum major groups come together competing for coveted awards.
  9. Creative Peninsula
    Every August, the Borough of Ards and North Down comes alive with art and craft — a month long celebration featuring exhibitions, open studios, live craft demonstrations, and workshops where visitors can view, buy or even make unique handmade pieces.
  10. Twilight Market and Arts Night
    Experience the Creative Peninsula Twilight Market and Arts Night, Friday 7 August, in Conway Square, Newtownards, where local artists, makers and performers come together for an evening of craft, music, food and family-friendly fun.
  11. Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down
    A showcase of local food and drink with a series of seasonal foodie-themed events, with Tide and Turf Portavogie on Saturday 12 September celebrating local delicacies. Programme highlights will also include Stargazing at Ballyhalbert's Burr Point, Demo and Dine, a unique dining experience at Portavogie Harbour, a Taste AND food market, and Chilli Festival.
  12. Aspects Festival 2026
    A celebration of Irish Writing - Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival — each autumn Bangor becomes a hub for reading, writing and creative inspiration.
  13. Shorelife Celebration
    Events celebrating the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough, with free entry to explore both locations, fascinating talks, and fun activities for all ages and everyone who loves nature.
  14. Leid AND Lairn
    A celebration of Ulster-Scots language and heritage.
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