The Experience Ards and North Down 2016 tours programme is a unique series of guided coach, boat and walking tours, which allows you to experience some of the unique sights and attractions the area has to offer.

Sit back and relax on a coach trip to one of the Borough’s beautiful stately homes for Tea With A Lord, find out more on an historical walk, or take to the water on a boat trip down Belfast or Strangford Lough.

Delve into Bangor’s past with a Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour or enjoy the thrill of one our Murder Mystery Nights taking place around the streets of Newtownards and at The Somme Centre.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Secrets of A Walled Garden tour which take in both Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden and the Victorian Walled Garden at Ballywalter Park. If you fancy a fright, prepare to be scared as you uncover ghostly goings on in Newtownards on the Halloween walking tour!

Experience Ards and North Down Tours have something for everyone!

For the full range please visit visitardsandnorthdown.com. You can book your tickets on-line or from Ards, Bangor, Cockle Row and Portaferry Visitor Information Centres.

The Somme programme of commemorative events continues with a unique exhibition at The Flax Gallery, Mossley Mill until Thursday 18 August.

This exhibition includes three private collections of memorabilia specially sourced for public display and looks at The Battle of the Somme from a local and international perspective.

The exhibition commemorates the event through a range of media including a wide

variety of artefacts and archival material, photographs, military uniforms,

interpretative panels and audio visual material, in this centenary year.

Access to Service Search International, a casualty tracing system along with a variety of information sessions, lectures and opportunities to meet the exhibitors is also included in this exhibition.

The Flax Gallery is located at Museum at The Mill in Mossley Mill and opens Monday – Saturday from 10am.  For a copy of our Somme programme of commemorative events please visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/somme

Jordanstown Loughshore Park will once again be rocking with this year’s Shoreline Festival taking place over the August Bank Holiday.  The guaranteed family fun kicks off on the afternoon of Friday 26 August with specially discounted amusement rides from 2pm until 9pm.

The family fun continues each day of the festival with activities including bouncy castles, face painting, magic shows, foam party and a petting zoo from 1pm until 6pm.  For a culinary treat and to pick up some tips, Jane McClenaghan from Vital Nutrition will be hosting cookery demonstrations on Saturday 27 August from 1pm until 5pm.

Fabulous musical entertainment is again the main attraction of the festival with excellent concerts planned.  Saturday night features the Sounds of Adele with Suzanne Pavis, Northern Ireland’s number one Adele tribute act.  Fiddler Adam will be making sure everyone’s toes are tapping from 4pm on Sunday 28 August and at night the rock ‘n’ roll lovers will be Livin’ on a Prayer” when Con Jovi kick off their concert at 8pm.

The fun continues on Bank Holiday Monday from 1pm until 6pm with more family entertainment.  For the little kids and not so little kids, an opportunity to belt out your favourite songs from the movies and charts begins at 2pm.  For those looking to pick up a unique gift, Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar is open from 1pm.

Admission to the festival is free of charge and for more information visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline

This Sunday, August 14, there’s something a little different coming to the bandstand in Ward Park as Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Music In The Park programme continues.

The ‘Punk In The Park’ event will see Shock Treatment 21, a modern day reincarnation of a late 70s punk new/wave outfit take to the bandstand and will take park-goers on a trip down memory lane to their punk hey-day – a new departure for Ward Park! So spike up your hair and don’t miss it!

If you fancy spending an afternoon in the great outdoors, enjoying top class live music, then pack a picnic and don’t miss it! The free event takes place this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone. All events are weather dependent and therefore subject to change. This year’s music programme is being provided by Open House Festival.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Following the huge success of previous summer musicals including last year’s ‘Wizard Of Oz’ and 2014’s ‘Oliver’ get ready for the world’s most popular family musical ‘Annie’, the annual summer blockbuster musical at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh from Tuesday 16^th to Saturday 20^th August.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search.

This incredible musical will feature stunning sets, costumes and choreography, a live band, and a cast of talented young people under the professional direction of a leading creative team. Following an intensive audition period, the chosen cast are now fully immersed in rehearsals. The cast all hail from across County Armagh, Newry, Dungannon, Kilkeel, Lurgan and Portadown.

Prepare to sing along to the unforgettable songs ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and the unforgettable ‘Tomorrow’. A show no one should miss – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!

The Market Place Theatre Bar & Bistro is also serving a special ‘Annie’ themed menu with Dinner Special only £10 for one adult and one child.

There are performances of ‘Annie’ on Tues 16 – Sat 20 Aug each evening at 7.00pm plus an extra Saturday matinee at 2.00pm. There is also a BSL SIGNED PERFORMANCE on Thurs 18 Aug at 7.00pm. Tickets for all Annie performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821 or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com. With over 1,000 tickets already sold don’t leave it until ‘Tomorrow’ to book.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Romantic City Break, Ramada Encore, Belfast, from £190. The stylish three-star Ramada Encore overlooks St Anne’s Square with some of  the most popular bars and restaurants in the city on the doorstep including Duke of York, Harp Bar and the Dirty Onion. Enjoy a romantic two night break, three-course evening meal at the SQ Bar & Grill on one evening from the Table D’Hote menu, full Irish breakfast with sparkling wine and chocolates in your room on arrival. Subject to availability. To book call (028) 90 261800.

• Indulge Your Senses, The Enniskillen Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £90pps. Located in the island town of Enniskillen in the picturesque Fermanagh Lakelands, the four-star Enniskillen Hotel is within easy distance of some of the county’s most well-known visitor attractions. Stay in a superior room and enjoy a whiskey tasting session with a trained whiskey connoisseur, a three-course evening meal and a full breakfast the following morning. Available until August 31. To book call (028) 663 21177.

• Shop and Stay, Maldron Hotel Derry, Co. Londonderry, from £80. The four-star Maldron Hotel is the only hotel located within the City Walls making it the perfect base to explore the historic city. With great views and the shops, bars and attractions only minutes away, it is the perfect place for a short break. Enjoy a two night break in the heart of the city with a two-course evening meal, two cocktails per person and a £10 gift card per person to spend in Foyleside Shopping Centre. To book call (028) 71 371000.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 8 – 14).

• Stendhal Festival, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, August 12 – 13. Set in the picturesque surrounds of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Stendhal Festival of Art brings an all-encompassing artistic experience to the Roe Valley. Stendhal has something for everyone from kids to adults, day or night, art, music, classes, workshops, activities, various food outlets and a brilliant atmosphere!

• Riverfest, Coleraine, Co. Derry~Londonderry, August 8 – 13. This year’s Waterways Ireland Riverfest is hosting The European Boat Wakeboard Championships attracting over 150 competitors from across Europe and Africa. During the week other attractions planned include vintage vehicle and motorcycle shows, bouncy castles and play area, boat and outdoor recreation displays, trade areas and a local food market.

• Banquet by the Lake, Castle Archdale Caravan Park, Co. Fermanagh, August 13. To mark the Love NI Meat theme as part of the NI Year of Food and Drink, dine in style in a marquee at Castle Archdale overlooking beautiful Lower Lough Erne. Prepared by Saddlers of Enniskillen the five-course banquet will be mouth-wateringly exquisite.

• International Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, August 8 – 13. This thrilling week, organised by Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club, is one of the highlights in the Northern Ireland Motorcycling Road Racing Calendar, attracting many of the world’s top road racers as well as thousands of spectators to the Dundrod circuit, the fastest road racing circuit in the world.

• 7 Hills Blues Fest, Various locations, Co. Armagh, 11 – 14 August. This four day festival will see many of Armagh City’s eateries, public houses and open spaces showcasing the best of blues bands from across Ireland and the UK.  With workshops, classes, exhibitions and live music there will be fun and games for all the family during the festival.

• Kite Festival, Downhill Demesne, Co. Derry~Londonderry, August 14. This high-flying spectacle will offer fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate. To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids craft area, inflatables, Quad-Pod rides, Segways, Craft and food stalls and much more.

• Jailhouse Rock ‘Live at The Crum’, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, August 13. Crumlin Road Gaol proudly presents ‘Jailhouse Rock’ with Elvis and his band. Watch an extraordinary tribute performance to one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century in a concert brilliantly capturing the musical life of The King of Rock n Roll. Booking essential.

• Musical Theatre Open Night, Alley Theatre, Co. Tyrone, August 13. Join some of the North West’s best musical theatre performers as they take to the stage for this popular open mic event with singalong tunes and stunning performances suitable for all the family. Singing songs from classics such as ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Oklahoma’ and more recent hits such as ‘Ghost the Musical’ and many more the performers will be accompanied by a live house band.

• Rock Pool Extravaganza, Kearney Village, Co. Down, August 13. Organised by the National Trust and promising to be a great day out for all the family, young wildlife enthusiasts will love this day out at magical Kearney village on the Outer Ards Peninsula.  Discover the amazing creatures lurking beneath the seaweed and slithering through the pools. Meeting point Kearney Village

• Pintsized Cabaret, Boundary Brewing Cooperative, Belfast, August 11. Pintsized Cabaret will feature a great selection of short scenes using the unique Boundary Brewery as the performance venue and source and inspiration. Audiences will be getting a flavour of some of the famous bits of poetry and prose that have focussed on drink and craic, with a nod to the pubs of East Belfast. With a selection of Boundary beers to try, it’s sure to set you up for a great night.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Down

SunflowerFest is a 3 day music and arts festival on Tubby’s Farm just outside Hillsborough 5^th – 7^th August.  There will be 6 stages featuring over 150 performances with live music, DJs, comedy, poetry, and theatre. Alongside this there will be live art & sculpture, a range of talks and workshops, media installations lots of family activities, silent disco, the ‘Bliss’ well-being area, and to coincide with NI Year of Food & Drink, local chefs will be hosting cooking demos and workshops throughout the weekend.

Armagh

On Saturday 6th August, the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh will celebrate the ancient Celtic Festival of Lunasa in style with a Wickerman Gathering.  Lunasa was a time when the Celts called on the sun god Lugh to bring them sun and warm weather guaranteeing a bountiful harvest.  Join in this celebration with living history performances, live music, the Armagh Rhymers, dancing, crafts, fire & flame demos and finish the evening with the burning of a 30ft Wickerman.  Live music from local band Tamna Ceili, and foot tapping tunes from the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, and some great sounds from the Trad & Folk Experience.

Fermanagh

Join BBC’s Hugo Duncan and friends in a non-stop evening of country music this Friday at the Ardhowen Theatre.  The old and new friends are Ireland’s first lady of country music Irish TV’s Susan McCann, Mr Five Little Fingers Frankie McBride, the only yodelling cattle breeder in Ireland Kenny Archer and introducing the voice and talent of Omagh’s Barry Kirwan.  The Ryan Turner Band provide the backing for an evening of country music hits and craic.

Tyrone

Hear Ye Hear Ye!  Prepare to step into a magical world of enchantment with Mr Hullabaloo the storyteller at the Enchanted Tea Party show live on stage at the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Saturday.  Through the magic of live storytelling combined with puppetry and beautiful scenery, you and your family will be transported to our kingdom of dreams to meet lots of your storybook friends.  Now in their 10th year Strule invite you all to step inside the pages of a magical storybook and believe that all of your dreams can come true!

Derry/Londonderry

Maghera’s first Agri Show and Country Fayre takes place this Saturday 6th August in the grounds of the Rectory Maghera starting at 10.00am. This will be a memorable occasion and a first for the town, with fun and activities for all the family.  Classes for everyone in Home Industries, Arts & Crafts, Handicrafts, Floral Art and Decoration and much more. Highlights include Irish, Scottish & Country Dancing to a variety of musicians.  Schedules are now available in the Heritage and Cultural Centre / Maghera Historical Society, 17 Coleraine Road, Maghera.

Antrim

2016 is the 26th anniversary of Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall,  one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland. The programme of events is as varied and entertaining as ever with something for all the family. The festival will open with fireworks and throughout the week there will be the usual favourites including the Lurig Run, Vintage Family Fun Day, Dance Workshops etc. There will be a festival theme on Friday night, 12th. This is always a popular night with hundreds crowding into the village for a great night of fun and entertainment. 6^th – 14^th August.

Belfast

Join HMS Caroline for a Digital Fabrication Workshop with FabLab Nerve Centre this Saturday 6th August. Explore the historic areas in HMS Caroline, and use the latest digital fabrication technology to create your very own laser-cut magnet. This is a drop in activity as part of the Creative Centenaries Programme. This activity is free, however standard entrance fees will apply.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Friday 5 August – Thursday 11 August

Until Wednesday 31 August, Open House Festival

Bangor, various locations

The Open House Festival presents another fabulous and exciting programme of festival events spread over forty venues throughout the whole of August.

Music, words, theatre and comedy, film, food and drink, magic and mystery and arts!

Info: (028) 9147 1780, info@openhousefestival.com, openhousebangor.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Friday 5 – Sunday 14 August, Creative Peninsula

Various locations within the Ards and North Down Borough

Throughout the week there will be a number of events taking place in celebration of Art and Craft.

Friday 5 August, 10am-6pm, sees the launch of the event with Craft in the Square, where Conway Square in Newtownards will be transformed, for one day only, into a tented Craft Village.

Over 35 Artists and Makers will be selling and demonstrating their. Live Music throughout the day and more.

Come along and enjoy a week long explosion of creativity!

Info and booking: see visitardsandnorthdown.com/creative-peninsula

Saturday 6 August, Family Entertainment

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Free, 2pm-4pm

6 Aug: Aldo’s Magic Show and Face Painting

Visitor Centre open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm

Sat 6: Animal Road show and Children’s Crafts

Sun 7: Plant and Play, Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm, daily. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 August, Donaghadee Festival

Donaghadee, various locations

The 2016 programme will once again showcase the best of this historic town and what it has to offer, from spectacular sea views to sensational seafood.

Info: (028) 9188 8667, info@visitdonaghadee.com, visitdonaghadee.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Every Sunday in July and August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park Bandstand, Bangor

Free live performances, every Sunday 3pm-5pm

7 Aug: Jigs and Reels in the Park – lively jigs and reels and traditional folk songs from our very own Bangor-based Inverberg

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 7 August, Guided Walks & Tours: Historic Bangor

£3, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Join us on a walk through the past discovering Bangor’s varied history, from Bronze Age settlements to Viking invasions and two World Wars, visiting North Down Museum and Bangor Abbey.

Info and booking: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Monday 8 – Friday 12 August,  Arts: Creative Summer Schemes for Kids Donaghadee Arts Summer Scheme

Donaghadee Community Centre, Manor Street

1pm-3pm

Taking inspiration from the seaside around Donaghadee, these arts workshops will develop skills in arts and sculpture to create wonderful creatures of the sea. Suitable for ages 6-12yrs.

Fees: £30 (10% discount for second child in same family)

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Wednesday 10 – Friday 12 August, Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf

Donaghadee Golf Club

Info: (028) 9188 3624, donaghdeegolfclub.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Wednesday 10 August to Saturday 20 August, Clandeboye Festival Camerata Ireland

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor

A prestigious annual event founded by Barry Douglas, international pianist, conductor, educator and recording artist.

Info: (028) 9042 7600, camerata-ireland.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Thursday 11 August, Guided Walks & Tours: Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour

£3, 7pm – 8pm

Uncover the history behind Bangor Abbey’s most famous graves and memorials

Info and Booking: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 12 August – Thursday 19 August

Until Sunday 14 August, Creative Peninsula

Various locations within the Ards and North Down Borough

The Creative Peninsula is now in its 15^th year and the programme just keeps getting better.

Throughout the week there will be a number of events taking place in celebration of Art and Craft such as workshops, demonstrations, guided tours and so much more! Something for everyone – discover the artist within or simply come along and enjoy a week long explosion of creativity!

Info and booking: see visitardsandnorthdown.com/creative-peninsula

Until Saturday 20 August, Clandeboye Festival Camerata Ireland

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor

A prestigious annual event founded by Barry Douglas, international pianist, conductor, educator and recording artist.

Info: (028) 9042 7600, camerata-ireland.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Saturday 13 August, Peninsula Food Showcase: Portavogie ‘Seafood Festival’

The Harbour

Free, 12noon-6pm

The Portavogie Seafood Festival will be a celebration of Portavogie’s seafood heritage. Celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will be doing live cookery demonstrations alongside local chefs. The beach huts will be filled with local artisan producers from the Peninsula; there will be children’s activities, a fun fair, street theatre, sand pits, and much more.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 13 August, Family Entertainment

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Free, 2pm-4pm

13 Aug: Animal Roadshow and Balloon Modelling

Visitor Centre open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm

Sat 13: Magic Show

Sun 14: Face Painting, traditional crafts and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm, daily. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 12 August and Saturday 13 August, Working Vintage Festival

Rosemount Estate, Greyabbey

£10, Fri 4pm-10pm | Sat 10am-5pm

Come along and enjoy large displays of vintage tractors, steam engines, vintage cars

and motor cycles, vintage lorries, stationary engines, implements, craft tents, trade

stands, food outlets, amusements, live music and much, much more for all the family.

Info: 028 9754 1334, Secretary@countydowntractionengineclub.com, countydowntractionengineclub.com

This event is grant aided by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Sunday 14 August, Guided Walks and Tours: Strangford Lough Boat Tour

£8 (Ad) | £4 (Ch),  2pm-4pm

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough. See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders.

Info and booking: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Every Sunday in July and August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park Bandstand, Bangor

Free live performances, every Sunday 3pm-5pm

14 Aug: Punk in the Park – Shock Treatment 21. Once the stomping ground of the BBA, punk is back with the reincarnated Belfast punk band, Shock Treatment 21.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Monday 15 to Friday 19 August, Arts: Creative Summer Schemes for Kids Comber Arts Summer Scheme

Comber Leisure Centre

1pm-3pm

These fun arts-based workshops will include various different types of art activities, ensuring that each child gets the opportunity to learn and develop a range of creative skills. Suitable for ages 6-12yrs.

Fees: £30 (10% discount for second child in same family).

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Thursday 18 August, Guided Walks & Tours: Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour

£3, 7pm – 8pm

Uncover the history behind Bangor Abbey’s most famous graves and memorials

Info and Booking: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exhibitions

The Space, Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

Mon–Sat 9.30am–5pm, (028) 9182 6846

Until Saturday 27 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Papercrafted’

An exhibition by visual artist Emma Davison

North Down Museum

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

(028) 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

Until Tuesday 30 August

Ulster Woodturners Exhibition

An exhibition of woodturnings made by members of the Irish Woodturners Guild in the Ulster Area

Until Sunday 28 August

Creative Peninsula

A celebration of artwork produced by local artists and craftspeople

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street

Mon–Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

(028) 4272 9882

The Loft Gallery

Until Sunday 28 August

Art in the Loft: ‘I Made This for You’

A collection of work inspired by old postcard images of Bangor Town by Jessica Hollywood

The Saddlery

Until 28 August

Community Coastal Rowing Exhibition

By Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership and Portaferry Rowing Club

The Donaghadee Festival Fortnight is back and it promises to be better than ever!

The event runs from Thursday 4^th August – Sunday 14^th August.  Saturday 6th August is Lifeboat Day when trips to the lifeboat and lighthouse entertain as well as educate about Donaghadee’s strong maritime past and present.  During the remainder of the festival there is an action packed programme featuring Formula One racing simulators, Laser Quest , a 5K run, Bubble Football and a Aquathon.  The Ulster Under 16 Golf Championship will also be held as part of the Festival.

On the final day of the Festival, Sunday 14^th August, Donaghadee will host an Artisan & Craft Market at Lemon’s Wharf from 10am to 5pm.  We are proud to welcome many local Producers including Great Taste Award-winners and members of the Guild of Fine Foods.  A Mobile Farm Display with star animals from Game of Thrones and Frankinstein will be there, the display includes  deer, pigmy goat, sheep and piglets.  There will also be a chance for all the family to join in with rhythimical play of Community Drumming. Buskers including Matthew O’Reilly, singer songwriter will be playing on the day.   Last but not least a a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.   It will be  a great day out for the whole family.  Look forward to seeing you there!

Full details are available on www.visitdonaghadee.com