What’s On in North Down this week and next.

19 JULY – 3 AUGUST

Until 27 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst

North Down Museum, Bangor

This exhibition explores the life and work of Northern Ireland’s most prolific director through a variety of fascinating images, objects and stories.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 19 July, Tour: ‘Nautical Past’ Short Sea Cruise on Belfast Lough

Meeting point: The Jetty, Pickie Funpark in Bangor

2pm, tickets £10. Discover the rich nautical history of the lough including Bangor’s role in D Day, WWII, ‘The Battle of the Copeland’s’, the first naval battle in the U.S. Civil War and of course the Titanic. Learn about the surrounding coastline and the variety of wildlife inhabiting it. Pre-booking essential. Call to book. Limited availability.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July, Wood at the Walled Garden

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Castle Park

Free. 11am-4pm.

Bring the family along and enjoy an afternoon of free events. There will be demonstrations from the Irish Woodturners Guild and local sculptor Owen Crawford.  You can put your knowledge to the test with the Woodlands Trust display board or take the opportunity to have a stroll around the award winning gardens.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 19: Clown Activities

Sun 20: Party Animals NI, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 20 July, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Amanda Jameson Band and Chelsea Chambers performing pop music and favourite covers.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 20 July, Walking Tour: Helen’s Bay in 2 World Wars

Meeting point: Helen’s Bay

2.30pm, tickets £3. This fascinating tour of two of North Down’s hidden gems is conducted by expert local historians and guides. Visit St John’s Church then proceed on foot to Grey Point Fort via the Bayburn Trail display. Pre-booking essential. Call to book. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 July, Kids Nature Trail

Meeting point: North Down Museum, Castle Park, Bangor

Free. 10.30am. Join this interactive nature trail led by a guide from the Woodland Trust and a well-known local bird expert. Learn about the habitat and bird life that exist in Castle Park grounds. Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 July, ‘Pipes in the Park’ featuring Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Bangor Town Hall

Free event, 12noon-6pm.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm. The event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out. In conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 26: Magician, Face Painting

Sun 27: Jumping Clay Workshop, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 27 July, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Hoppers & Stompers ‘Downshire Jazz All Stars’ old time Dixie Jazz

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 2 August, Coach Tour: ‘Our links with the Great Wars’- North Down & Ards

Meeting Point: Coach Collection at Ards Visitor Information Centre or North Down Museum

£10. 9.30am/10am respectively.

In this year of commemoration of the First World War, this tour focuses on our links with the two Great Wars. The tour will visit sites in both North Down & Ards including North Down Museum, the coastal defence battery of Grey Point Fort and the Somme Centre.

Call to book. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 2: ‘Casey’s Creatures’, Balloon Modelling

Sun 3: Ark Open Farm, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 3 August, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Remembrance Picnic, music from the Templemore Band – Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

BANGOR OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL, Throughout August

Info: www.openhousefestival.com