About
This event is organised by and was submitted by Portaferry Community Services Ltd
Portaferry Sails & Sounds Maritime Heritage, Shanty and Ulster-Scots Festival 2026 will take place from Friday 31 July to Monday 3 August 2026, bringing four days of music, maritime heritage, sailing, storytelling, family activity and community celebration to the shores of Strangford Lough.
Sails & Sounds is proudly recognised as Northern Ireland's only dedicated sea shanty festival, making it a unique cultural event within the local tourism and heritage calendar. The festival celebrates Portaferry's strong maritime identity, sailing traditions, coastal heritage and Ulster-Scots connections through a lively, welcoming and inclusive programme for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy live sea shanty performances, traditional music, singing sessions, storytelling, heritage talks, guided walks, craft activities, exhibitions, boat trips, sailing activity, family entertainment, community workshops and outdoor performances across Portaferry.
The festival brings together local performers, visiting musicians, community groups, sailors, artists, heritage contributors and volunteers. The programme will include performances from The Selkies and other shanty and folk groups, maritime-themed music sessions, Ulster-Scots cultural activity, traditional dance, pipe music, creative workshops, family challenges and opportunities to learn more about the people, places and stories connected to Strangford Lough.
The festival will also connect strongly with the sailing life of the village, with activity linked to Portaferry Sailing Club and the wider Narrows sailing community. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the lough, enjoy boat trips, watch sailing activity, take part in shore-based family events and explore the village's unique setting between the ferry, harbour, castle, shops, cafés and community venues.
Sails & Sounds 2026 will include a strong focus on accessibility, inclusion and sustainability. The event will provide information points, volunteer support, family-friendly spaces, quiet space provision for anyone who may feel overwhelmed, and clear signposting to help visitors move around the village. The festival will also continue to encourage reusable and recyclable materials, including branded reusable festival cups, to help reduce single-use plastic waste.
The programme is designed to attract local people, families, visitors, tourists, sailing communities and heritage enthusiasts, while supporting local businesses and encouraging people to spend time in Portaferry. It is a festival rooted in community pride, creativity, music, welcome and the unique maritime character of Strangford Lough.
Full programme details, times, venues and booking information will be available closer to the event through the festival website and social media channels.
This event is Grant Aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council's Tourism Department.
Details subject to change, always check with the organiser prior to booking/attending.
Any queries?
This event is organised by Portaferry Community Services Ltd, any queries please contact them direct by email at portaferrysailsandsounds@gmail.com. Please ensure that you read and understand all terms and conditions associated with this event as per the Portaferry Community Services Ltd on booking.
Facilities
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £10.00 per ticket |
| Child | £3.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
