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22nd May 2013
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EVENTS
Welcome to events in the Ards, where you'll find a comprehensive list of what's going on in and around the Borough during the next few months. From regular, much loved events to one-off specials, you'll find it all here.
For further information about any events in the Ards, please contact the Tourist Information Centre, Tel: 028 9182 6846, E: events@ards-council.gov.uk or download the latest Events and Arts Guides here.
ARE YOU ORGANISING AN EVENT? CAN WE HELP YOU WITH PUBLICITY?
Three times a year Ards Tourism produces an event guide which is distributed widely to Tourist Information Centres, accommodation providers and attractions throughout Ireland. If you are organising an event in the Borough of Ards and it is open to the public we will include information free of charge. All you need to do is download the form below, complete and email it to events@ards-council.gov.uk . The information will also be included in our weekly bulletin to accommodation providers and listed on the Council web site. To be included in the Summer Events Guide to be published in June 2013, your information needs to be with us by Wednesday 29th May 2013.
Experience Ards Tickets
Click the link below to book your Experience Ards Tour tickets now!
http://gotobelfast.iristickets.co.uk/tickets/search.php5?searchword=Ards
Events in Ards Borough
A story is told of Shane McAnanty the King of the Ulster Fairies, who resides on Scrabo Hill, with Mid - summer so near Shane McAnanty will be up to mischief. Our quest is to seek out this little man, with the help of people who lived and worked on this hill at Scrabo over many centuries. From the quarry men to the druid they are only too aware of the mischief caused by King Shane McAnanty during the summer months.
Your help is needed to assist to track down King Shane, to protect local folk from the powers of the little King.
Suitable footwear required. The walk includes a steep climb to the summit of Scrabo Hill.
7.30 - 9pm,tickets: £6/£5 concession.
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
& 26TH MAY
Join us for a day in the life of a warden and help with our bird, butterfly and baseline moth counts.
Castle Espie , 11am - 1pm & 2 - 4pm, cost included in admission.
Tel: 028 9187 4146
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/castle-espie
Ards Puppet Festival will be performing the story of a man, an ark and a lot of animals! This imaginative re-telling of an old favourite is a delightful introduction to theatre, especially for the very young (3-8 years & families). Shows at 1pm & 3pm.
Castle Espie, 1pm & 3pm, free (does not include admission to Castle Espie).
Tel: 028 9187 4146
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/castle-espie
Comber Historical Society organises a spring outing to the Lagan Legacy Project to hear a talk 'The Sun Never Sets: Belfast Harbour and the Age of Empire' by Lee Lavis.
The talk will be followed by a guided tour of the museum and light refreshments.
Bus leaves Park Way car park at 6pm.
UNTIL 2ND JUNE
The annual "Turn O' The Tide" festival, celebrates Strangford Lough's ancient and modern maritime traditions, and its world renowned wildlife and landscape. It takes place across the Strangford Lough Narrows between the historic settlements of Portaferry and Strangford. The picturesque shore fronts, historic Market Square, 17th century Market House, medieval tower houses, and woodlands provide a captivating setting for a great family programme.
A trip on the Strangford Ferry is one of the easiest ways to have a good look at this amazing stretch of water. This is the oldest recorded ferry service in Ireland and it has crossed the Narrows in continuous service for 400 years! Look out for seals, terns, guillemots and jellyfish.
For a detailed programme and updates visit our website.
Ards Peninsula, Strangford Lough and Lecale
Tel: 028 4272 8886
Website: www.strangfordlough.org/
The next two rounds of both the Ulster and Irish Short Circuit Championship will be held at Kirkistown Race Circuit on the Ards Peninsula on Saturday 1st June 2013. The Event is promoted by Belfast & District Motor Club in association with Ards Tourism and Ards Borough Council.
Belfast & District MC Club were formed in 1906 and have been involved with promoting motorcycle sport since their inception. They previously hosted International Trials events at the old lead mines site in Newtownards and probably best known for their Tarmac Events such as the Carrowdore 100 and the Easter Monday Event at Kirkistown.
Short Circuit Championship Events in N.Ireland have unfortunately seen a sharp decline in spectator numbers over the past 10 years but make no mistake; the quality of racing has NOT diminished as our young rising stars have produced some of the best racing ever seen in this country. Names to watch out for are Jason Lynn, Nico Mawhinney and Korie & Kia McGreevy who are all Ulster & Irish Champions. Matthew Hazlett (son of notorious road racer Stephen Hazlett) and 23 yr old Gareth Keys who competed as a newcomer at this year's NW200 finishing a very credible 27th in a field of 40 entries, I could name many more, the list is endless.
Why don't you make your way to Kirkistown Race Circuit on Saturday 1st June 2013 and cheer on our young guns, show them your support as we could be witnessing the birth of future British Superbike, World Superbike or even Motogp stars of tomorrow.
Practice starts at 9am with racing due to commence at 1pm
Spectator entry is £10 and payable at the gate, children under 12yrs are FREE.
EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY IN JUNE, AND WEDNESDAY 5TH, 12TH & 26TH JUNE
Come along and see our tiny fluffy ducklings and goslings as they take their first wobbly steps into the world and the water. Go behind the scenes and see the duckling nurseries with the incubated eggs and learn about egg fertility during 'candling. If you're really lucky, you might even see a tiny baby hatch from the egg, taking its first view of the world.
Castle Espie, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm, cost included in admission.
Book a space in advance.
Tel: 028 9187 4146
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/castle-espie
A ceramic workshop with local ceramic maker Victoria Bentham. Participants in this workshop will create 5 beautiful ceramic coasters using different surface decoration techniques through exploring colour, pattern and texture.
Ards Crafts, craft and Design Centre, 31 Regent Street, 10.30am - 1pm, cost £10 (includes materials and refreshments).
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ardscreates.com
Travel back in time to 1847 with Valhalla Street Theatre. The country is in the grip of a famine and the inhabitants of Newtownards and Conlig struggle to keep themselves alive, many by
working in the dangerous lead mining industry. Mine Captain Richard Rickards, recently arrived with his family in search of a better life from the tin mines in Cornwall, will be your guide as you venture onto the mine set. Tour departs from Somme Heritage Centre, Car Park, Bangor Road, Newtownards.
Whitespots, Bangor Road, 2 - 3.30pm, £6/£4 Concession.
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
Guided walking tour of Comber, organised by Comber Historical Society.
7pm. Meeting point: The Square, Comber.
A textile workshop with local artist Jan Campbell. Participants in this workshop will be able to select a technique of their choice to create their own floral design on silk which can be turned into a cover for a cushion or a mounted print. Techniques will include 'outline' or 'edge to edge'. Participants will need to bring their own apron and disposable gloves. Places are limited to 6 so book early.
Ards Crafts, craft and Design Centre, 31 Regent Street, 10.30am - 1pm, cost £10 (includes materials and refreshments).
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ardscreates.com
Board the boat at Donaghadee harbour and sit back and relax as you sail towards Light House Island, home of the Bird Observatory. You will spot a lot of wildlife on your journey but the real fun begins when you arrive. The bird observatory is ideal for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and plant lovers alike, who will meet birds of many different species, including the Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Fulmar and Black Guillemot.
2 - 5pm, Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour, cost £12/£11 concession.
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
Come along and enjoy a day of football skills, fun games, bouncy castles, competitions and activities.
9am-3pm
Londonderry Park, Newtownards
£7 per child including lunch.
Children must be born in 2006 or before.
Registration from 8.30am.
Contact Gary Gallagher, Tel: 07779 307804
This workshop, with artist Bernice Anderson, is for anyone who enjoys sketching and using watercolours. You will get the chance to illustrate the new arrivals and feathered residents in the beautiful WWT Castle Espie reserve. Price includes lunch and Downy Duckling Tour.
Castle Espie, 10am - 1pm, Adult £15, Child & Concession £10 (all prices include admission).
Tel: 028 9187 4146
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/castle-espie
This tour will depart from picturesque Donaghadee harbour and as you bid bon voyage to the Ards Peninsula, you will sail out to Copeland Island whilst hearing interesting stories about the many different travellers this piece of water has seen over the centuries. Once on shore at Copeland Island you can take a leisurely stroll to the other side of the island, watch the abundant bird and marine life or visit the small graveyard where many of the island's former residents are laid to rest. On your return journey remember to keep an eye out for the shoals of dolphin which regularly visit the shores.
Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour.
2-4pm, cost £8/£7 concession.
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
Comber is a small, unassuming town of two rivers renowned for its potatoes and whiskey. However, underneath, this town also has an impressive nine hundred year history, and this tour will allow you to discover points of interest as you walk through the home town of Thomas Andrews, designer of the 'Ship of Dreams' that was the Titanic. Please be aware that part of this route involves uneven surfaces and going up a hill. Tour departs from The Square, Comber.
2 - 4pm, £5/£4 concession.
Tel: 028 9182 6846
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
2013 will be the sixth Ards Half Marathon, which has established itself firmly on the race calendar. Come along and participate in the half marathon or take part in the 9.7 mile walk and help raise money for your charity of choice.
Tel: 028 9182 4018
Website: www.ards-council.gov.uk
Guided walking tour of Comber, organised by Comber Historical Society.
7pm. Meeting point: The Square, Comber.
Guided walking tour of Comber, organised by Comber Historical Society.
2.30pm. Meeting point: The Square, Comber.
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