Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Autumn Programme has just been released! The exciting schedule of music, events, exhibitions, classes and workshops, covers the September to December period and will be available online to explore and for bookings on Wednesday 30 August.
Highlights from the Autumn Programme include Aspects Festival which is happening from 27 September – 7 October in Bangor and presents another fantastic programme celebrating Irish writing. Renowned for showcasing well-known authors as well as local and emerging talent, the Festival offers an array events exploring memoir, politics, history and poetry as well as new writing, workshops, discussions and more.
The Enchanted House of Puppetry makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre on 29 and 30 October, where lots of friendly puppets will ensure everyone has a truly magical experience. Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the event will feature shows by Banyan and Clydebuilt Theatre and the Garlic Theatre Company with Snug and Grub Catch a Bug and The Bag That Went Boo! Fun for all the family!
Ards Arts Centre is delighted to welcome back the Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre for the first time since 2019. On Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience as Creative Peninsula Artists and Makers showcase and sell their artwork. The perfect place to find that special Christmas gift.
For those who prefer a more hands on approach or would like to learn a new skill, Ards Arts Centre has a full programme of creative classes where you can try something new and create your own unique art and craft.
Music lovers can look forward to the return of the Music in the Chamber series of events at Bangor Castle and the popular Friday Night Live events at Ards Arts Centre.
North Down Museum have lots of intriguing exhibitions happening over the Autumn period, including a ‘Strangford Horse and Other Tales’ a collection of paintings by artist Xander which will be showing in the museum’s Long Gallery from 3 October to 19 November.
The Museum is also delighted to welcome back the Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop. From 22 November to 7 January, the Museum’s galleries will be filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers, available for visitors to browse and purchase.
Speaking about the Guide, Arts and Heritage Manager Emily Crawford said: “We have a jam-packed programme for you this autumn/winter with lots of live music, exhibitions, festival events and seasonal activity to get you into the festive spirit. If a hands-on approach is what you’re after we have a brand-new term of creative classes and workshops to encourage your creativity. We look forward to welcoming you to Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum soon.”
View the full Autumn programme and book tickets at: www.andculture.org.uk
Printed copies of the Autumn Arts and Heritage guide are available from Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum.