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Portaferry Gala Festival

40 SHORE ROAD, Portaferry, Down, BT22 1JZ
Portaferry gala 2026 image programme

About

Portaferry GalaFest 2026 marks the 59th year of one of the area's most loved community celebrations, bringing together residents, families, visitors, volunteers, local businesses, clubs and community groups for a full week of fun, entertainment and local pride.

Taking place from Saturday 18th to Friday 24th July 2026, this year's programme offers something for every age and interest. The week opens with a packed Saturday including the Tractor Run, Party in the Park, Town Challenge and Gala Sports Quiz, setting the tone for a lively and colourful celebration across the village. Throughout the week, Portaferry will come alive with family activities, competitions, music, sport, heritage, outdoor entertainment and community gatherings.

Highlights include Gala at the Shore, the famous Paper Boat Race, Bonny Baby and Cute Kiddies competitions, Kids Got Talent, Fair Day, Walking Treasure Hunt, Gala Soccer Madness, Titanic Wrestling Exhibition, the Portaferry 10 Mile Road Race, Social Tea Dance, Darts Madness, Dog Show, Gala Country Fest, Kids Toy Tractor Run, Petting Farm, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts, Inflatables and the much-loved Pitching the Sheaf. The week will close in true Portaferry style with the Kids Fancy Dress Parade and Ferry Fleadh, featuring local bands, Irish dancing, céilí dancing, music and craic for all ages.

GalaFest 2026 is more than a programme of events; it is a celebration of community spirit, local talent, friendship and belonging. It reflects the hard work of volunteers, sponsors and supporters who help keep this tradition alive year after year.

As Portaferry looks ahead to the 60th Diamond Anniversary in 2027, GalaFest 2026 will be a special stepping stone towards an even bigger celebration, honouring six decades of memories while creating new ones for future generations.

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£15.00 per ticket
Ticket£3.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Call direct on:

Tel07870 701 620

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (18 July 2026 - 24 July 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday13:00 - 22:00

What's Nearby

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    0.19 miles away
  2. Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is…

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  1. These ruined churches are situated one and a half miles north east of Portaferry on the…

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  2. The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the…

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  3. Sitting on the southern tip of the famous Ards Peninsula, Kearney is a picturesque…

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  4. Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula,…

    3.52 miles away
  5. Within it are the ruins of a medieval church which is believed to be the Church of…

    3.9 miles away
  6. Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622,…

    5.57 miles away
  7. Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their…

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  8. The Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church is a local heritage centre. It tells the…

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  9. Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west…

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  10. Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island.

    8.85 miles away
  11. Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has…

    9.34 miles away
  12. This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in…

    9.53 miles away
  13. Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by…

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Portaferry Road towards the peninsula

Public Transport Directions

Bus Translink Belfast Newtownards Portaferry Strangford Ferry via Downpatrick Newcastle newry

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