Bangor Open House Festival, 1st -31st Aug
This month throughout Bangor sees a music based festival featuring headline concerts, music sessions alongside comedy, poetry, walking tours and exhibitions. There will be something to suit everyone’s tastes. This fortnight will see music from The Farriers at Bangor Abbey and other local bands playing various bars throughout Bangor. There will also be exhibitions, pub quiz’s and other events…so be sure to pick up a copy of the full Open House Festival programme so you don’t miss out.
For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com
World Police & Fire Games 2013, 1st – 10th Aug
This biennial event is coming to Northern Ireland for the first time. With over 7,000 competitors from over 60 countries it is the largest sporting event to ever come to our country. Throughout the games, many events will be happening across North Down so be sure to get involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The new Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex will hold its first major events which include swimming, water polo and the much anticipated Toughest Competitor Alive. To be a spectator at the games is free. For a full list of events happening in North Down be sure to pick up the bespoke North Down World Police and Fire Games flyer.
For more information visit www.2013wpfg.com
Bluegrass Picnic, Sat 3rd Aug, 3-5pm
Oh My Darling will be playing a free concert in Ward Park. Their prairie roots mixed with southern twang and Franco-folk create an Americana musical melting pot brewed from dynamic vocals, brilliant claw-hammer banjo, inspired fiddling and grooving bass runs. This will be a great day out for the whole family. As well as providing music, we will be taking care of your stomach with a Cajun hog roast and a barbeque pit. There will be activities to keep the kids entertained will you enjoy the music. Not to be missed! Free
For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com
Family Fun at Cockle Row, Sat 3rd & Sun 4th Aug, 2-4pm
Come along to the cottages at Cockle Row, Groomsport and join in all the free family fun that is on offer every weekend throughout August. This Saturday there will be a Magician to keep all the children entertained with all his magical ways. On Sunday the Ark Open Farm will be making an appearance with their Small Animal Road Show, let the kids come along and pet or feed the animals. There will also be entertainment from the Ulster-Scots Agency on Sunday. Cottages are open to the public from 11am-5pm. Free
For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com
North Down Pipe Band Championships, Sat 3rd Aug, 11am-5.30pm
The popular annual North Down Pipe Band Championships will return to the scenic Castle Park. This event is very competitive among the Pipe Bands and always proves to be a great day out for everyone to enjoy with a huge selection of bands taking part. So grab a picnic and head down to Castle Park for this enjoyable day out. Free
For more information visit www.northdowntourism.com
Donkey Day, Sat 3rd Aug, 10am-5pm
Bring the kids and a camera as you get close to these wonderful animals. The annual Donkey Day proves that donkeys are more than just something to admire in the fields as these wonderful animals take on the donkey obstacle course, egg and spoon races and musical chairs in the BDS Championship. DBS members, two-legged as well as four legged, will also get the chance to dress in traditional garb from farming eras gone by, with the most authentic costume winning a prize in the Fancy Dress Competition. And rounding off the day, the handlers and their animals will join the Donkey Day Parade around Ballycultra town.
For more information visit www.nmni.com/uftm
History of Bangor & Ards Coach Tour, Sat 3rd Aug, 10am-3pm
This tour takes in the history of North Down and Ards. It covers the areas Christian Heritag, from early monastic sites such as Nendrum and the founding of Bangor Abbey and Viking attacks. You will learn of the Ulster-Scots story which shaped our lands under Hamiliton and Montgomery, the role we played in World War II through to the borough’s we know today. Tickets £10 (Limited to 30 people)
For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com
St John’s Church and Grey Point Fort Walk, Sat 10th Aug, 10.30am
This fascinating tour starts with a visit to the Church, with its historic connections to those who served in two world wars. The tour will then proceed on foot to Grey Point Fort via the Bayburn Trail display at the Fort Road car park will visitors will hear more about the local history of the village. Visitors will also be shown the massive guns and the emplacement and the unique collections of war-time memorabilia. Tickets £3 (Limited to 25 people)
For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com
Magic Hour at the Museum, Sat 10th Aug, 2.30-3.30pm
Are the kids already bored with the summer and running out of things to do? Head to North Down Museum every Saturday for Magic Hour. This weekend there will be a show by Aldo including balloons and finger puppets. Limited places available. Tickets £2
For more information call North Down Museum on 028 9127 1200 or visit www.northdownmuseum.com
Summer Entertainment – Ronnie Greer Band, Sun 11th Aug, 3-5pm
North Down Borough Council’s Live Music in Ward Park continues this Sunday with music from the Ronnie Greer Band. Ronnie Greer is a superb blues and jazz guitarist; his fingers have added passion and fire to some of the greatest blues bands in the country, including for a time the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band and a host of others. He never fails to wring the last drop of emotion out of a solo, while still keeping toes tapping! So pack a picnic and head down to Ward Park Bandstand for a fantastic afternoon of blues in the park. Free
For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com
Remember!!!
Project 24
Open every day down on Queen’s Parade. Call in and see the artists work in their pods or why not enjoy learning something while you’re there -the pink pod throughout August will be holding an array of workshops which include making your own crafts. Only 5 places are available on each workshop, so make sure you book fast for anything you’re interested in. You can find out further information and book by emailing Karin on englishcookies@me.com, up to one week before the event. You can also call in to the Pink Pod and book in person.
For more information visit www.project24ni.com
And…
Pickie Fun Park is still open daily 9am-9pm. This is a great day out for the whole family. For special offers visit www.pickiefunpark.com