Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2025 Explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards. The tour, led by expert guide Paul Whitla, will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval plantation and learning about Georgian periods. You will discover 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! Access includes entry into Newtownards Priory which is not normally open to the public. 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 Friday 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 2025 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 2pm on Wednesday 31 December. 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

Friday Night Live, bring a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy the best affordable live music in town! Mandy Bingham was raised in a musical household, with her father being David McWilliams, best known for 'Days of Pearly Spencer'. However, it wasn't until later in life that she discovered her own musical voice. Performing alongside her lap-steel playing husband Graham, Mandy delivers an intimate and immersive live experience. Her songs are deeply personal and raw. exploring the complexities of life while offering a sense of healing - for both herself and her audience. She is currently working on her second full-length album.

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. Arts Scheme Details Mon 11 - Fri 15 August 10am - 4pm Ages 8 - 12 years Ards Arts Centre children must be aged 8 - 12 years at the time of the scheme 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.

Silver Necklace or Earrings One Day Workshop Diane Lyness Saturday 17 May 10am 4pm 57 includes basic materials Spend a day of fun in the workshop with Diane Lyness and create a beautiful sterling silver necklace or pair of earrings. Make one for yourself, or why not gift them to someone special! Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques by Goldsmith Diane Lyness, such as piercing, soldering, rolling, annealing and polishing. Diane will work alongside you as you design and make your own unique piece of jewellery to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm! Lunch break 12.30pm 1pm. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, and anapron. Materials included.

KEV F'S COMIC ART MASTERCLASS Tuesday 22 July 10am 12:30pm and 1:30pm 4:00pm Fee 8 Suitable age 7 to 16 years Create your very own comic in this workshop with Kev F Sutherland. Kev F Sutherland writes and draws for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics, and makes graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare, and now he'll teach you how easy it is. After the end of a Comic Art Masterclass, everyone goes away with a comic containing a strip by everyone in the class plus an individual caricature by Kev F. Learn everything he knows, so you could leave school and steal his job!

5 weeks Commencing 12 May Mondays, 10am 12noon Facilitated by Pandora Butterfield Fee: 42.00 Note no class Monday 26 May 2025 Inspiring sketchbook drawings This course involves using the simplest of equipment, sketchbook, pencil and charcoal, and its all about understanding drawing Drawing is the most direct form of communication and I will help you unravel and reveal what can be achieved through use of composition, understanding form, creating texture, light and tone. Each page will develop a range of mark making, using pencil and charcoal with dramatic effect. Every week we will take a new subject to inspire, challenge and progress. I see this as a common endeavour and I will be with you every step of the way! Please bring an A3 sketchbook, and a variety of drawing materials (pencils ranging from 2B - 9B, charcoal, eraser, etc) Suitable for all levels.

Monday 7pm - 9pm 6 weeks Commencing: Monday 12 May NOTE: no class Monday 26 May This course will be a structured introduction to working with clay and will suit a complete beginner or someone who wants to reengage with the making process. In this hands-on class, you will learn various hand-building methods including coiling and slab-building, as well as exploring various surface techniques including texture, patterning, oxidising and glazing. The course will include clay, department glazes, firings and experienced tuition from professional ceramist and educator, Tracey Johnston Ceramics. No experience required. This class has been designed specifically for beginners, so if you have always wanted to try ceramics now is the perfect time! Price 120.00 (includes materials and kiln firings) Suitability Adults/Beginners/Refresher. Please bring an apron to protect your clothes and a knife for cutting clay.

6 weeks Commencing 15 May Thursdays 10am 12 noon Facilitated by Jo Hatty Fee: 49.00 This class creates a supportive environment for taking risks, making discoveries and developing ones unique artistic voice through the playful exploration of materials and concepts in both drawing and sculpture. No experience is necessary as the focus is on experimentation and discovery rather than perfecting specific skills. This course will encourage you to colour outside the lines, paint without brushes and push the boundaries of what art can be with the aim of expanding artistic horizons, developing new skills and tapping into your creative potential.

One Day Workshop Saturday 24 May 10am to 4pm Facilitated by Pandora Butterfield Fee: 33 This one-day workshop with Pandora will give you the tools to develop your painting skills in an enquiring and experimental way. Using acrylic or oil paints in an A3 sketchbook, we will spend the morning mixing and experimenting with colour. Developing an understanding of secondary and tertiary colours and different ways of applying paint and mark on a surface. The afternoon will be spent using our newfound knowledge of colour and technique to paint two simple still-life objects to great effect. Suitable for beginners/all levels Please bring: A3 Sketchbook, Oil or acrylic paint in the following colours: (White, Lemon yellow, Cadmium yellow, Alizarin crimson, Vermillion red, French Ultramarine, Prussian blue, Raw umber, Yellow ochre), palette or plate (for colour mixing), Brushes and palette knife, Pencil, Masking tape. Admission/Price 33 Tutor Pandora Butterfield Suitability Adults/All Levels

Expressive Charcoal Mark Making with Elaine Burke Ards Arts Centre Sat 14 June 10.30am 3.30pm 39 (includes materials) As part of her exhibition, Repeated Hands, Elaine Burke will facilitate this expressive charcoal drawing workshop. In this one-day session, participants will explore the versatility of charcoal starting from simple mark making to producing a more resolved drawing by the end of the day. Beginning by looking charcoal in its different forms and how to make charcoal at home the class will move on to quick exercises in developing expression and looseness. Using charcoal expressively, working quickly and working big produces dynamism within drawing, these techniques along with varied mark making, erasure and masking can be used to keep a more sustained drawing alive. Participants will have the opportunity to be playful and creative, enjoy charcoal and get their hands dirty. Suitable for beginners/all levels Materials provided, however please bring an apron/old shirt and it is recommended that you do not wear white or pale clothing!

Friday Night Live, bring a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy the best affordable live music in town! With his distinctive voice and looming stage presence, Ken recently stepped back from over a quarter of a century of hosting Ken Haddocks Supper Club in Belfasts Empire Music Hall. Ken is back with a brand-new show that shares his music in a more intimate and unplugged roots styled acoustic form. Ken tells the story of his adult life through the writing and singing of songs that he delivers with one of the biggest yet most sensitive voices you will ever hear. With three albums of original work to date, Ken is writing and recording a new album for 2025. He has performed on stage alongside Guy Clarke, Nancy Griffith, Bruce Cockburn, and Foy Vance. Ken will be joined by an outstanding contemporary jazz and blues chromatic harmonica player, Clive Wills, one of the country's leading harmonica players. His skill with both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas showcases a remarkable versatility. Clive's performances highlight his delicate touch and deep musicality creating a soundscape that is both intricate and soulful. A night not to be missed!

6 weeks Commencing Thursday 15 May Thursdays 2pm 4pm Facilitated by Diane Lyness Fee: 115.00 includes basic materials Suitable for beginners with no previous jewellery experience. Under the guidance of Diane, you will learn a variety of jewellery techniques including soldering, piercing, shaping, texturing metal and polishing. During the course, participants will work through the design and creation of a piece or pieces of jewellery. If you have attended previous workshops this is a wonderful opportunity to build on the skills you already have. Basic materials including copper sheet and wire will be given as part of the class. Individuals may wish to purchase precious metal and stones, etc along the way. Suitable for all levels

6 weeks Commencing 15 May Thursdays 7pm 9pm Facilitated by Jacquie Brachi Fee: 49.00 Students will learn a range of skills that can be applied to writing letters, cards and invitations as well as creating beautiful artwork for the home. Small projects will be included and will be adapted to suit all abilities. The class will include starters italic, progressing to variations and incorporating other styles to create hybrids. Suitable for all levels. Please bring a pencil and paper for the first class

Morning Class: 6 weeks Commencing 14 May Wednesdays 10am 12noon Facilitated by Bernice Anderson Fee: 49.00 Course participants will learn simple drawing and watercolour techniques to help them improve and develop their own individual style of illustration - painting a variety of subjects from birds to buildings, using the simple technique of pen and watercolour wash. Please bring your own materials

6 weeks Commencing 16 May Fridays, 10am 12noon Facilitated by Lee Boyd Fee: 49.00 Drawing is easy, anyone can do it and you can draw anything you want to thats lesson one. Lee will help you to explore the mediums, techniques and styles of drawing, ways of looking and how to capture mark making that builds your confidence and enjoyment of the process of drawing. From beginner to the more advanced, this class will offer you the chance to refine and develop your skills and find new ways to express your art.

Afternoon Class: 6 weeks, commencing 14 May Wednesdays 1.30pm 4pm Facilitated by Geraldine Cooper Fee: 90.00 Includes all materials Note no class Wednesday 21 May In this 6 week course you will learn how to make a fabulous mosaic using the direct method. We will work on mosaic mesh, making it easy to make alterations as you learn, before you transfer your finished work onto the backing board provided or directly onto a wall at home. Geraldine will take you step by step through the process of design, choosing materials, safe cutting techniques and how to place your tesserae for greatest impact. Theres no need for prior mosaic making knowledge or to draw your own design unless you want to. All materials and support will be provided to create your own mosaic masterpiece. Geraldine has been teaching the art of mosaic since studying techniques at the Mosaic Art School, Ravenna in 2010.

Evening Class: 6 weeks, commencing 13 May Tuesdays 7pm 9pm Facilitated by Christine Casey Fee: 49.00 Includes all materials. Note no class Tuesday 17 June During this series of 6 workshops participants will use a number of different techniques to complete 6 'mini projects' using various types of yarn. No previous experience is needed, and hopefully everyone will learn a new skill. All materials and equipment will be provided, suitable for all levels

NEW Observational Oil/Acrylic Painting 6 weeks, commencing 13 May Tuesdays, 10am 12noon Facilitated by Pandora Butterfield Fee: 49.00 Using an A3 sketchbook you will look and investigate a range of compositions drawn from nature using acrylic or oil paints. Each week you will explore colour mixing, texture, tone and light to create intimate still-lifes with paint. Every new subject will challenge and inspire in the gentlest of ways and enable you to progress on your personal painting journey. Please bring an A3 sketchbook, brushes, acrylic or oil paints recommended colours White, Prussian blue, French Ultramarine, Alizarin Crimson, Vermillion red, Lemon yellow, Cadmium yellow, Raw umber, Sienna disposable palette or plate Suitable for all levels

Class: 6 weeks, commencing 13 May 2025 Tuesdays 2pm 4pm Facilitated by Rosie Ennis Fee: 68.00 Includes all materials Printmaking is a fun and versatile art form and in this 6-week course we will cover print techniques including monoprint, drypoint, lino and collagraph in a relaxed and engaging environment. Suitable for beginners and those who want to explore print further. All materials supplied

You are invited to join us at Ards Arts Centre for the Opening Reception of exhibitions: 'Repeated Hands' A solo exhibition by Elaine Burke, and 'Thirtyfold' A solo exhibition by Joanna McNulty. Enjoy refreshments as you view the new artwork on display. Meet the artists, and learn about their inspirations and processes. Artworks will also be available for purchase throughout the duration of the exhibition. 'Repeated Hands' is exhibiting in the Georgian Gallery and 'Thirtyfold' is exhibiting in the Sunburst Gallery until Wednesday 25 June 2025. Artist Workshop: Elaine Burke Saturday 14 June 10.30am - 3.30pm - bookable separately.