The Ards Puppet Festival is coming to Newtownards this May Bank Holiday weekend 26 – 28 May with a fantastic programme full of puppet fun!

Over the three days of the festival, Conway Square will be transformed into a pop-up puppet village packed with puppets of all shapes and sizes! Look out for puppet shows, walkabout characters, street theatre, craft activities and more!

One of the programme highlights will be The Elephant Extravaganza which will take place on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Prepare to be amazed by ‘Harminder,’ Festive Road’s impressive, larger-than-life mechanical Asian elephant. Pedal-power brings her to life, with her ear, head and trunk movements adding to the spectacle as she perambulates. She loves nothing more than packing her trunk and going to new places to make new friends!

Standing an impressive 4.5 metres in height, Harminder will be a sight to behold as she ambles around Conway Square with a dancer on her back. The Elephant Extravaganza will take place on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 May at 2pm and 4.30pm. Don’t miss it!

Other highlights include: The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe who are performing in the festival Big Top on Saturday 26 May at 2pm and 4pm. Come and be amazed by aerial acrobatics on the flying trapeze, spectacular cycling stunts and the antics of cheeky clowns. This show cleverly incorporates marionette puppets with real circus performers – a treat for the whole family! On Sunday 27 May at 1pm and 3pm, The Cardboard Carnival will take place in the Big Top. This ultimate animal show is beautifully crafted from cardboard, inspired by Camille Saint-Saens’ music.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place from 26 – 28 May in Conway Square Newtownards. For more information or to view the full programme go to: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.ardsarts.com