There’s something for everybody at this year’s Sea Bangor Festival; whether you’re into baking, art, good food, live music or you fancy sailing the high seas, we’ve got it covered with lots happening in the tented village on Quay Street, Bangor on June 27 & 28.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be “The Great Bangor Bake Off” where contestants will pitch their talents against each other in the purpose-built kitchen in the “Bake Off” marquee. Catering students from SERC will come up against each other during a “Fondant Challenge,” members of the public will be invited to submit entries to the “Sea Bangor Celebration Cake Competition” and The Heatherlea will be hosting “Cake Decorating Challenges” between members of the audience. The aroma of baking is sure to be mouth-watering!

Based on the popular TV show model and hosted by SERC, contestants will get to showcase their baking flair to the Sea Bangor audience. The competition will be fierce and entertainment value high! Sunday afternoon will also see some well-known local business characters battle it out in a Pancake Challenge.

As part of the two days of activities, there will also be demonstrations from local celebrity chefs Paula McIntyre and Danny Miller who will be showcasing their baking skills alongside chefs from other local businesses and SERC.

Two great competitions are being held over the Sea Bangor weekend too – members of the public are invited to produce a Celebration Cake with a theme of Sea Bangor or bake and present an Afternoon Tea Platter for “The Great Bangor Bake Off Competition.”

Bring your finished celebration cake or afternoon tea platter to be displayed at Sea Bangor. Entries will be judged and announced at the festival.

Cakes must be no greater than 12 inches wide, will not be tasted and points will be awarded on design, creativity, flair and theme. The Afternoon Platter should be for four people and should include scones, a tart, a sponge based item and a cookie, shortbread or biscuit. The entries will be on display over the two days of the festival with the winner of the Celebration Cake competition being announced on the Saturday and the winner of the Afternoon Tea Platter will be announced on the Sunday. Prizes and certificates will be presented to “Bangor’s Best Baker” by The Mayor of North Down, Alderman Alan Graham. Closing date for entries is June 22. To obtain an application form, please go to www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or email: events@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Speaking about the event, Paul Mercer from SERC said: “The students  and staff of South Eastern Regional College are excited to be involved with the ‘Great Bangor Bake Off’ it’s a great opportunity for students and local residents to showcase their bakery talents and learn from the range of local guest chefs and bakers”.

Gastronomic and culinary treats galore are in store for visitors to the event with local restaurants and food producers selling their wares in the Food Tent each day. Run by Grub Streat, this year’s food tent will feature local food providers serving locally produced, mouth-watering food.

This year’s Sea Bangor, which is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI, is absolutely packed with something to do for everyone. Over in the kid’s tent “Tiddlers,” Cahoots NI will be performing a special magic show and “The Dockside Emporium” which is being hosted by Bangor’s Craft Emporium promises to be a world of entertainment and wonder with demonstrations and crafts from lots of local artists.  With maritime themed street theatre, a tall ship, a navy vessel, a fantastic live music programme, an aerial demonstration by the Twister Aerobatic Team, Jet Lev demonstrations and so much more, Sea Bangor is definitely not to be missed!

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 28.

So whatever floats your boat, come along to Sea Bangor for a great family day out!

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com