Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2026 Uncover the extraordinary story of Newtownards! Join tour guide Paul Whitla for a captivating walking tour that brings the towns rich past to life. From its Medieval plantation origins to the elegance of the Georgian era, youll explore the landmarks, legends, and littleknown tales that shaped one of Northern Irelands oldest settlements.Hear fascinating stories of iconic figures such as John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell, discover hidden corners youve never noticed, and immerse yourself in centuries of drama, conflict, and culture.Whether youre a history lover or simply curious about the heritage on your doorstep, this tour promises an engaging, entertaining, and unforgettable experience.Dont miss your chance to see Newtownards like never before. Things to note Those under 18 years must be accompanied by a paying adult and also purchase a full price ticket Tour covers uneven ground and some inclines, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. This tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users / those with mobility issues - please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information. Tickets close 2pm on Saturday 25th July Getting there By Car: from Belfast follow the A20 along Kempe Stones Road to Newtownards. At the roundabout take the 1st exit along Blair Mayne Road South. At the traffic lights turn right onto Church Street/ Regent Street. Conway Square on the right. Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council By Bus from Belfast: Closest Bus Station - Newtownards. Take the Ulsterbus Bus No, 7, 9 &10 to Bus Station. See Translink NI website for bus departure and arrival times. Accessibility Tour covers uneven ground, please wear suitable footwear. This experience may not be suitable for wheelchair users / those with mobility issues - Please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information. Carers Where practicable ANDBC will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. Due to the variety and nature of the Experience AND Programme this requires assessment on a case-by-case basis. If you require further information in relation to this, please call Bangor Visitor Information Centre on +44(0)28 9127 0069, and the team will assist with your enquiry. Terms and conditions apply

Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2026 Tip - Makes a great Christmas gift! Start the New Year off on the right foot, by exploring the rich and varied history of Newtownards with tour guide Paul Whitla. The tour will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval plantation and learning about Georgian periods, discovering many interesting and exciting stories, including those of John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell. Immerse yourself in the history of Newtownards - one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland! This would make for something different to do on New Year's Day, especially with friends and family. Things to note Meet in front of the Ards Arts Centre/Town Hall in Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Please dress for warmth and comfortably as dictated by the weather Tour covers uneven ground and some inclines, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather No concessions Those aged under 18 years must be accompanied by a paying adult and must also purchase a full price ticket Tickets close 9.30am Friday 1st January Getting there By Car: from Belfast follow the A20 along Kempe Stones Road to Newtownards. At the roundabout take the 1st exit along Blair Mayne Road South. At the traffic lights turn right onto Church Street/ Regent Street. Conway Square on the right. Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council By Bus from Belfast: Closest Bus Station - Newtownards. Take the Ulsterbus Bus No, 7, 9 &10 to Bus Station. See Translink website for bus departure and arrival times. Accessibility Tour covers uneven ground and some inclines, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. This tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users / those with mobility issues - please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information. Carers Where practicable organisers within the Experience AND Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. Due to the variety and nature of the programme this requires assessment on a case-by-case basis. If you require further information in relation to this, please call Bangor Visitor Information Centre on +44(0)28 9127 0069, and the team will assist with your enquiry. Terms and conditions apply

Arts Scheme Details Mon 10 - Fri 14 August 10am - 4pm Ages 8 - 12 years Ards Arts Centre children must be aged 8 - 12 years at the time of the scheme Fee 115 Ards Arts ever popular creative arts summer scheme runs from 10am until 4pm from Monday to Friday, meaning that you get a full week jam-packed with fun, creative activities! Each day will be broken up into several different workshops combining art, pottery and drama so that each child gets the opportunity to learn and develop skills with different tutors in a range of activities. At the end of the busy week, children will perform a small show for parents and will also have several amazing art creations to bring home. The week is designed to be fun and friendly with a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that every child gets a unique, inspiring and enjoyable experience. Participants will be required to bring in their own packed lunch, plus a snack and a drink for morning break. Participants will be supervised by an adult at all times, with additional activities provided during breaks.

KEV F'S COMIC ART MASTERCLASS Friday 24 July 10am 12:30pm and 1:00pm 3:30pm Fee 10 Suitable age 7 to 16 years Hes Back and Its Comic Chaos Time! Grab your pencils and get ready to draw, doodle and giggle with the oneandonly Kev F Sutherland! Kev has created comics for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel and now hes here to show YOU how to make your own awesome comic characters, crazy stories and actionpacked panels. In this whirlwind Comic Art Masterclass, youll create your own comic strip, learn loads of silly, brilliant drawing tricks, and even head home with, a comic made by the whole class and your very own caricature drawn by Kev! Youll learn so much you might even be ready to steal his job one day (he says thats fine). Forages 7 and up perfect for doodlers, dreamers and future comic geniuses!

Introduction to Photography One Day Workshop Carrie Davenport Saturday 4 July 10.30am 3.30pm 45 This workshop, with professional photographer Carrie Davenport, is perfect for beginners or those who would like to learn how to get the most out of their camera. Participants will learn creative composition, framing techniques, and exposure, allowing you to take really great photos, no matter the subject or location. Please bring your camera (DSLR, digital compact, and smartphones welcome) with a fully charged battery and memory card, packed lunch, and comfortable shoes - part of the workshop may involve outdoor photos around Newtownards town, weather depending. Lunch break 12.30pm 1pm.

Friday Night Live, bring a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy the best affordable live music in town! After a show stealing performance in-the-round at last year's Ards International Guitar Festival, we are delighted to present Grinne Hunt for a solo show! Grinne enchants audiences with her heart-melting vocals and emotional songs, making herastandout among Ireland's vocalists and songwriters. Described as TheIrish Joni, her two original records have also invited comparisons with artists like Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, and Dolores Keane. Along the way she has shared stages with Glen Hansard and U2 - and has opened for Gladys Knight. Grainne Hunt commands an astounding voice that will melt your heart. No crowd can resist. - Declan ORourke

You are invited to join us at Ards Arts Centre for the Opening Reception of the Next Generation Student Exhibition Enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink as you view a selection of the finest work being created by talented GCSE, AS and A Level students from the Ards and North Down Borough. In the run up to the Creative Peninsula in August, this exhibition celebrates the wealth of creativity being produced by our younger artists. Recognisable for exuberant talent and vivacious, raw, uncompromising work, the student exhibition is one of our most exciting annual exhibitions and introduces you to the next generation of artists in the Borough. The exhibition will run in both the Georgian and Sunburst Galleries until Wednesday 22 July at 4pm. Image credit: Ben Moore, Glastry College

Thursday 30 July, 7pm There will be an Opening Reception for the exhibition/s at Ards Arts Centre with speeches and refreshments from 7pm. The award winners of the Creative Peninsula exhibition will also be announced during the speeches. Artists who are exhibiting are encouraged to arrive promptly at 7pm for the prize giving. Admission/Price FREE Facilitated by Ards Arts Centre All welcome to attend!