Author: whatsonni

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 March – 5 April

 

  1. The Easter Eggspress at Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 and 6 April. The Easter Bunny is visiting the Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday, and his goal is simple: make sure all the children have a great day with their trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg. There’s also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
  2. Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions like the custom of cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. Listen to live music in rural Ulster and America, and take part in traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race. Take a horse and carriage ride and watch an exciting magic show. Try tasty samples of barnbrack and hot-cross buns, plus get some Easter treats from the café.
  3. Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions, have a go at nature-based activities and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Get involved with traditional games, watch baking and butter making demos, try tasty cake samples and listen to traditional music. Meet costumed characters and learn all about the history of egg production in Ireland and the connections to the Easter traditions we know today.
  4. Easter at Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, 5 and 6 April. Join Glenarm Castle for a fun-filled adventure in the fresh spring air. Explore the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, let the kids burn off some energy in the Woodland Adventure Play Area, or hop into the driver’s seat with the Mini Land Rover Experience. Take part in their much-loved Easter Eye Spy & activity sheet while exploring the estate and enjoy great food, shopping, and even a dedicated dog park for your four-legged friends.
  5. Slow Art Sunday at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 5 April. Join the Ulster Museum on the first Sunday of every month for Slow Art Sunday, an opportunity to explore their art collections in more detail. Explore the influences and inspirations that contributed to the artwork and find out the guide’s favourite pieces. Feel free to sketch or bring your own interpretations as the guides bring the artwork to life.
  6. Easter at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 March – 7 April. Join in on Easter Monday for the annual Easter celebration at Florence Court. With lots of activities for kids to enjoy, live music, treats and of course the ‘Grand Tour’ Easter trail to explore, you are sure for a fun filled day out.
  7. Easter Adventures at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 31 March – 12 April. Spring has arrived and there is plenty of family fun waiting for you at WWT Castle Espie this Easter. Have fun at the Easter Egg Trail, Pond Dipping Adventures and Easter themed arts and crafts sessions.
  8. Easter Trail at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 4 –7 April. Join this Easter for a fun-filled outdoor adventure, where families can follow a woodland Easter Trail, meet colourful characters, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and dance along at our lively Easter disco.
  9. Easter Adventures At The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 March – 7 April. Explore the stunning grounds of The Argory as you follow the ten points of the Easter Activity Trail. The trail takes you through the beautiful River Walk, offering scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy nature in full bloom. Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out with plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together.
  10. A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast, 1 – 11 April. Calling all little explorers and grown-ups. Now is your chance to join the Puffin Rock inhabitants and discover more from this beautiful island. Puffin Rock activities are free with general admission to W5.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Ballymoney Spring Fair 2026 brings colour and carnival to the Borough this April

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Ballymoney will come alive this April as a colourful carnival celebration brings music and spectacle to the streets, accompanied by a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, the 2026 Ballymoney Spring Fair will take place from Thursday 16th April to Saturday 18th April.
Launching the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“I’m really pleased to see the Ballymoney Spring Fair return for 2026. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Causeway Coast and Glens so special – our strong communities, local businesses and shared sense of pride in where we live.
“I would encourage everyone to come along and be part of the festivities, support local businesses and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer. With such a varied programme of entertainment and activities, the Spring Fair promises a memorable weekend for residents and visitors of all ages.”
The festivities begin on Thursday at 10am with a heritage walk led by Keith Beattie, exploring the history of the “tap an’ bottom o’ the Toon.” Later that afternoon, Ballymoney Community Cinema will host a screening of The Greatest Showman at 3.30pm in the Town Hall. The much-loved Tea Dance returns to a new venue of the British Legion from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, before the first evening concludes with a lively Ceilidh Session in the Diamond Bar from 9pm.
Friday continues the celebrations with another 10am heritage walk, this time taking visitors on a fascinating dander along Meeting House Street and Castle Street. Entertainment then starts in Castlecroft from 11am with Fuse FM and Ballymoney Country Market.  Country sensation Jason Hughes, as Irelands own Garth Brooks, performs from 1pm – 3pm accompanied by other well-known Country tribute acts. For the little ones, Ballymoney Community Cinema will be showing Smurfs at 3.30pm in the Town Hall.
Benvarden Gardens have special opening hours for the Ballymoney Spring Fair on Friday and Saturday from 11am – 4.30pm, where visitors can browse the historic estate, take a stroll through walled gardens and stop by their quaint tearoom for something to eat or drink.
Saturday will commence with a Quiet Time Session which will run from 11am – 12 noon, providing an opportunity for individuals with additional needs to enjoy some of the activities such as Kidz Farm and Carnival Games in a more relaxed environment.
Ballymoney Country Market will take over the streets on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. The popular Maypole dance display opens the fair at 12 noon on High Street followed by more carnival games, family attractions and live music from FUSE FM.
At 12 noon, Ravara Obedience and Agility Club will also be showcasing their skills in Taggarts Yard, giving visitors the chance to see impressive agility displays from the club’s talented dogs – and even the opportunity to put their own pets through their paces on the obstacle course.
Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club will be showcasing their annual vehicle display at the Station Square with a variety of vintage cars and tractors along with a local haulier’s truck display held at the Grease pit from 12 noon.
All vehicles will then come together to form a cavalcade at 2:30pm which will travel through the town from Seymour Street, Meeting House Street, Queen Street, Victoria Street, Charles Street, High Street, Townhead Street, Model School Road, leaving via Coleraine Road.
The Spring Fair will come to a colourful close on Saturday afternoon as the carnival parade sets off from the Town Hall at 3.30pm in a spring-themed spectacle of music and performance. Travelling down High Street and Main Street before returning to Townhead Street, the parade promises a vibrant celebration for spectators of all ages.
With Ballymoney Country Market stalls, a wealth of independent boutiques and businesses offering special Spring Fair promotions, and a full programme of activity across the town, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to shop local and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer.

Grow Your Garden and Ideas at the Spring Plant Fair This April  

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is inviting all avid gardeners to enjoy a blooming great day out at the Spring Plant Fair on Saturday 11 April 2026, from 10am – 5pm at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Set in the beautiful Parterre Gardens, this free event will feature thousands of plants from specialist growers, along with expert advice to help you make the most of your garden. A convenient Plant Crèche will also be available, so visitors can shop with ease.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “The Spring Plant Fair is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather ideas, speak to experts and enjoy a relaxing day in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens. Everyone is welcome, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener.”

The Spring Plant Fair also marks the exciting lead-in to this year’s Home and Garden Show Ireland, an exciting new chapter for the much-loved event. Taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June at the same location, the reimagined show will bring fresh inspiration for your home, both indoors and out, and promises a fantastic day out for all the family.

Joining David Domoney for the first time is award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda, also announced as a show ambassador. Known for her work on Andy Murray’s Cromlix House Hotel and appearances on DIY SOS, Suzanne will share her expert insights into luxury interiors, design trends and creative ideas, as well as meeting visitors and giving advice.

Early bird tickets are available now via gardenshowireland.com for just £10 until Saturday 11 April using code EB26 at checkout.

Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services launch new Coleraine Heritage Trail

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services have launched an engaging new heritage trail for Coleraine, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to explore the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.

 

The initiative has been developed as part of a project supported by the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Fund 2025–26 Revival Stream.
Working in partnership with Primary 7 pupils from D.H. Christie Memorial Primary School, the project has produced a beautifully illustrated guide showcasing more than 20 of Coleraine’s historic buildings. The guide features watercolour images inspired by illuminated addresses held in the collections of Coleraine Museum, the Honourable The Irish Society and Libraries NI, alongside historic photographs from the collections of Robert Anderson and Sammy Walker.
To further enhance the visitor experience, the heritage trail is accompanied by a detailed 3D map of Coleraine town centre, along with scale models of a number of the featured buildings. Using innovative Museum-in-a-Box technology, users can also listen to audio narration that brings the stories behind each location to life.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“It’s wonderful to see our Museum Services team bringing Coleraine’s rich history to life in such an innovative way. This trail not only celebrates the town’s heritage, but also gives residents and visitors a chance to explore, learn, and connect with the stories that make Coleraine unique. “I’m particularly delighted to see young people involved in the project, helping to shape the way we share our local history for future generations.”
The display will be housed at Museum Services’ Coleraine History Hub in the Diamond Centre, where copies of the heritage trail guide will be available.
Designed as the perfect companion for a leisurely walk through the town, the guide can also be collected from Coleraine Town Hall, local Visitor Information Centres and libraries.
It is also available to download via the Northern Ireland Community Archive at: niarchive.org.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council remains committed to preserving and promoting the Borough’s rich heritage, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.

A Pop-Powered Celebration: ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes the Stage!

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Get ready for the ultimate pop concert at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre as ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes to the stage!

Come and join us for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from five of the hottest artistes of the moment in a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement.

Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’

Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.

‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ creates unforgettable memories for children and families. This show is the ultimate concert experience!

So, grab your tickets today and don’t forget those friendship bracelets! See you at the show!

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets will be staged at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 8 April at 6pm. Tickets are priced £25 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Roe Valley Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

 

Enjoy an ‘egg-citing’ Easter with the whole family on ‘The Great Easter Getaway’. Starting from £249 per room, this includes an overnight stay, Irish breakfast, and full access to their kids activities and leisure facilities including their brand-new water slides. Little ones will have a blast with their on-site petting farm, Egg-stravaganza Hunt, Easter crafts, movie lounge and the Easter Bunny keeping them entertained from morning to night. Whether it’s sliding into the pool, hunting for Easter treats, or sharing a meal together, Roe Valley Resort is the place to make memories together. Offer available 4th –7th April and subject to availability. Visit https://www.roevalleyresort.com/the-great-easter-getaway.html for more information.

 

The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down

 

Spring is a wonderful time to stay at The Old Inn. The blooming flowers and budding trees create a picturesque setting, and the comfortable and cosy atmosphere of the inn provides a tranquil escape. Step into Spring with their special offer starting from £295 per room, based on 2 adults sharing, Sunday – Thursday between March and May 2026. This offer includes an overnight stay, three course dinner with a bottle of house wine, full Irish breakfast, and access to the Treetop Spa from 12 noon on day of check-in to check-out. Visit https://www.theoldinn.com/step-into-spring.html for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

By

Here are ten exciting things to do 30 March – 5 April

 

  1. The Easter Eggspress at Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 and 6 April. The Easter Bunny is visiting the Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday, and his goal is simple: make sure all the children have a great day with their trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg. There’s also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
  2. Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions like the custom of cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. Listen to live music in rural Ulster and America, and take part in traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race. Take a horse and carriage ride and watch an exciting magic show. Try tasty samples of barnbrack and hot-cross buns, plus get some Easter treats from the café.
  3. Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions, have a go at nature-based activities and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Get involved with traditional games, watch baking and butter making demos, try tasty cake samples and listen to traditional music. Meet costumed characters and learn all about the history of egg production in Ireland and the connections to the Easter traditions we know today.
  4. Easter at Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, 5 and 6 April. Join Glenarm Castle for a fun-filled adventure in the fresh spring air. Explore the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, let the kids burn off some energy in the Woodland Adventure Play Area, or hop into the driver’s seat with the Mini Land Rover Experience. Take part in their much-loved Easter Eye Spy & activity sheet while exploring the estate and enjoy great food, shopping, and even a dedicated dog park for your four-legged friends.
  5. Slow Art Sunday at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 5 April. Join the Ulster Museum on the first Sunday of every month for Slow Art Sunday, an opportunity to explore their art collections in more detail. Explore the influences and inspirations that contributed to the artwork and find out the guide’s favourite pieces. Feel free to sketch or bring your own interpretations as the guides bring the artwork to life.
  6. Easter at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 March – 7 April. Join in on Easter Monday for the annual Easter celebration at Florence Court. With lots of activities for kids to enjoy, live music, treats and of course the ‘Grand Tour’ Easter trail to explore, you are sure for a fun filled day out.
  7. Easter Adventures at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 31 March – 12 April. Spring has arrived and there is plenty of family fun waiting for you at WWT Castle Espie this Easter. Have fun at the Easter Egg Trail, Pond Dipping Adventures and Easter themed arts and crafts sessions.
  8. Easter Trail at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 4 –7 April. Join this Easter for a fun-filled outdoor adventure, where families can follow a woodland Easter Trail, meet colourful characters, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and dance along at our lively Easter disco.
  9. Easter Adventures At The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 March – 7 April. Explore the stunning grounds of The Argory as you follow the ten points of the Easter Activity Trail. The trail takes you through the beautiful River Walk, offering scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy nature in full bloom. Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out with plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together.
  10. A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast, 1 – 11 April. Calling all little explorers and grown-ups. Now is your chance to join the Puffin Rock inhabitants and discover more from this beautiful island. Puffin Rock activities are free with general admission to W5.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Derry dancers Maíre and Sarah to perform ‘Encounters’ across the city this weekend 

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Four public spaces in Derry will experience an unusual series of dance ‘Encounters’ this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March, as part of the Match Make Project.

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Match Make is an opportunity from Maiden Voyage Dance for dance artists based in the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to form new creative partnerships, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and inviting fresh ways of making and sharing dance with communities.

Emerging Derry dance artists Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle began their piece ‘Encounters’ from creative conversations about human encounters and relationships, proposing a new duet exploring how brief interactions between people can shape connection and shared space.

During rehearsals the artists developed the duet through improvisation, partnerwork and choreographic exploration, collaborating with composer Caolán Austin, whose music shaped the atmosphere and rhythm of the work.

Looking forward to the performances, Nicola Curry, Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage Dance said:

“This year’s Match Make programme brings together an exciting group of artists whose collaborations span film, puppetry, voice and movement, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary practice.

We are very excited to see the culmination of  Maíre and Sarah’s artistic process with ‘Enounters’, a pop-up contemporary dance duet exploring the different ways in which we can coexist, interact and build relationships over time.

These short performances will invite passers-by to experience contemporary dance in everyday settings, bringing the work directly into the city and making it freely accessible to audiences.”

‘Encounters’ will be performed by Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle on the following dates and times, and at the following locations:

Saturday 28th March – Guildhall Square at 2pm and Craft Village at 3.30pm.

Sunday 29th March – Brooke Park at 2pm and Ebrington Square 3.30pm.

The performances are free and booking is not required.

For further information on ‘Encounters’ and the Match Make programme, visit www.maidenvoyagedance.com

Bangor Castle to Welcome Antiques Roadshow

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BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow is coming to Bangor Castle this summer as part of filming for its 49th series. The much‑loved programme, presented by Fiona Bruce, will bring its team of expert valuers to the ground of the historic building on Sunday 26 July.

Visitors will have the opportunity to share their antiques, family heirlooms and vintage treasures with specialists covering jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, rare books, clocks, watches, militaria and a wide range of collectable categories – from vintage fashion and furniture to film and music memorabilia.

As well as Bangor Castle the following locations will also feature in the upcoming series: Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford, East London, Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside and Caerphilly Castle, South Wales.

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who will be filming her nineteenth series of Antiques Roadshow, commented:

“Antiques Roadshow is gearing up to start filming a new series and every year I’m blown away by the variety and volume of objects shared with our team of specialists. There are always exciting moments of suspense and surprise when it comes to valuations as well as reassuring appearances of old favourites from diamond jewellery to fine china. I love meeting our visitors and hearing the personal stories behind their objects and we’ll be travelling around wonderful venues across the UK.”

Speaking ahead of the visit, Robert Murphy, Series Editor, said:
“The Roadshow is for everyone, and we’re looking forward to seeing those special items that mean something to our visitors. In recent years, we have seen a fantastic range of mementoes and treasures: ceramics by Picasso and paintings by Jack Vettriano, a medal for gallantry awarded to a pigeon, a rare Oasis demo tape and a cartoon by John Lennon, letters from poet Dylan Thomas, gold sovereigns and valuable watches by Omega and Patek Phillippe, a jewel-encrusted ballerina brooch valued at £40–£50,000, and items belonging to one of the founders of the SAS. We can’t wait to find out what treasures and surprises we’ll see at this year’s shows.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum welcomed the announcement, saying:
“We are delighted to host Antiques Roadshow at Bangor Castle. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors alike to showcase their treasured items in a beautiful and much‑loved setting. Bangor has a strong sense of community and heritage, and we look forward to welcoming the team and discovering the remarkable stories that will emerge.”

Free ticket applications are now open, with limited places available. Viewers can also submit items online for consideration.

For more information and to apply for tickets, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Watch Antiques Roadshow on BBC One on Sundays at 7pm and on BBC iPlayer.

For more information please contact: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

The ultimate spring family day out: Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal this April

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Down Royal Racecourse confirms Fibrus Broadband as headline sponsor of its popular Family Race Day, returning to Lisburn on Sunday 12th April 2026

Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as the Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal on Sunday 12th April 2026. It’s set to be an action-packed fusion of racing and family entertainment, with headline sponsor Fibrus Broadband back to help transform Down Royal into the ultimate playground for racing fans and families alike.

Now firmly established as one of the most popular fixtures in Down Royal’s annual racing calendar, this year’s event promises another unforgettable day out for families across Northern Ireland, combining top-class National Hunt racing with a packed programme of family entertainment. From petting farm and pony rides to bouncy castles and face painting, the enclosure will ensure a magical day out for racegoers of every generation.

The pre-race excitement has already kicked off in local primary schools across Lisburn and Hillsborough with the “Design a Jockey Silk” competition. One lucky primary school pupil will see their artistic vision brought to life as a professionally manufactured silk displayed at the track on race day.

The continued partnership between Down Royal and Fibrus reflects a shared commitment to bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation of racing fans across the region.

Speaking of the return of Fibrus as headline sponsor, Dominic Kearns, Founder and CEO at Fibrus, said: “Fibrus are incredibly proud to be back as headline sponsor of the Fibrus Family Race Day for a third consecutive year. What started as an exciting new partnership has grown into something special – an event that genuinely brings communities together and creates lasting memories for families right across Northern Ireland.

“At Fibrus, connecting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and this race day captures that spirit perfectly. The atmosphere at Down Royal on Family Race Day is like nothing else, and we cannot wait to see families pouring through the gates again this April for what promises to be our best year yet.”

Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, added: “The Fibrus Family Race Day has grown year on year into one of the standout dates in our calendar here at Down Royal, and the enthusiasm from families across the region continues to blow us away each year. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fibrus back for a third year, their support has been instrumental in making this event the success it has become.

“With general admission, children under 14 can attend for free with a ticket-holding adult, making it outstanding value for families looking for a brilliant day out this spring. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or bringing the kids to the track for the very first time, this is a day not to be missed.”

Gates open at 12pm on Sunday 12th April 2026. For full details and tickets visit //downroyal.com/.tickets.

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