Bangor Times

03/12/2024

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝

High winds and rain are forecasted tomorrow from 2pm to 7pm, the critical time for our Switch On event in Bangor.

Due to this forecast, we regret to inform you that the Christmas Light Switch On event in Bangor, scheduled for tomorrow evening (Wednesday, December 4th), has been cancelled.

The adverse weather conditions mean that some of our performers are unable to participate, and we must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

We understand how disappointing this news is, especially after all the hard work that has gone into planning the event. We share your disappointment, but unfortunately, the weather is not in our favour at this time.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Bangor Chamber of Commerce Visit Ards and North Down Culture - Ards and North Down

28/11/2024

The Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On has been rescheduled to next Wednesday 4 December.🎄

See below post for more info. 👇

🎄✨ 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗻! ✨🎄

Get ready for a magical evening in Bangor! Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you the rescheduled 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗻 event. Join us on 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟰 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, from 𝟲𝗽𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟳.𝟭𝟱𝗽𝗺 at the front of the City Hall for a night of festive cheer!

🎶 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀:

𝟲𝗽𝗺: Comber Brass Band playing your favourite festive tunes
𝟲.𝟱𝟬𝗽𝗺: The arrival of the Mayor of Ards and North Down and special guests, accompanied by the Cleland Memorial Pipe Band
𝟳𝗽𝗺: Spectacular light show, and the Christmas light switch on

Bring your family and friends to enjoy the festive spirit! For more information, see visitardsandnorthdown.com/BangorChristmas

Let’s light up Bangor together! 🌟🎅



Bangor Chamber of Commerce Visit Ards and North Down Culture - Ards and North Down ShopBangor The City of Bangor, its past, present and future. Bangor by the Sea The Old Market House Bangor Market Fresh, Bangor County Down Spectator North Down Community Network - NDCN

26/11/2024

Students from Ballymagee Primary School and Kilmaine Primary School were joined by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, in Bangor’s Linear Park where they planted 50 new fruit trees.

As part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s commitment to successfully implement the Tree and Woodland Strategy, Council Officers aim to identify three locations across the Borough every year for a new community orchard. This year, Linear Park was identified as one of those locations and to celebrate National Tree Week, Year 6 students from both schools planted 50 trees.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

“Community orchards are an excellent place for people to come together. They provide a space for celebrations, are a source of food, and they can be used as educational resource for local schools, community groups and the wider public. Bangor’s Linear Park is a beautiful, peaceful area and I was delighted to help the children who were full of infectious enthusiasm in creating this new orchard.”

Orchards can encourage healthy eating and entice more people to enjoy outdoor activities, helping to improve wellbeing, while also making towns, villages and neighbourhoods more pleasant places to live.

For more information, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/STAND4TREES

20/11/2024

LIGHTS SWITCH ON CANCELLED

Join in the festive fun at the annual Christmas Light Switch On event in the City of Bangor this Saturday 23 November from 12noon.

Highlights include:

City Centre Passport Trail (12noon – 5pm):

Pick up your passport at any participating business or attraction and explore 17 vibrant locations. Enjoy food, music, crafts, gaming, art, and festive activities. Collect stamps and giveaways at each stop!

Christmas Shopping:

Discover a fantastic array of independent businesses, award-winning cafes, restaurants, and hospitality venues across the Borough. Let’s keep the spirit of the season alive by continuing to support our local businesses this festive period.

Festive Music:

Let the sounds of the season fill the air with performances by brass bands and school choirs throughout the city centre – Main Street, City Hall and Translink Station.

City Hall Forecourt (12noon – 7pm):

Experience the magic with mini funfair rides, delicious food trucks, and enchanting walkabout Christmas characters.

North Down Museum (10am – 5pm):

Discover fascinating exhibits and visit Neill’s Teddies dressed for Christmas. Shop at the Christmas Pop-Up Shop and enjoy a screening of “The Snowman” in the little cinema.

Switch On Ceremony (Front of City Hall, from 5pm):

Gather around the tree for a heartwarming performance by The Rock Choir. Welcome the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, and our special guest, Santa, for the grand Switch On at 6pm. Marvel at a spectacular themed light show!

Additional Activities:

The Old Market House (12noon – 4.30pm): Dive into the Christmas market, join a festive colouring competition, write letters to Santa, and meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Boom Studios (1pm – 5pm): Explore open studios and drop-in workshops for Christmas ornaments, Sit & Sketch, and bauble decorating.
Community Carols (4.30pm – 5.15pm): Sing along with the Festival Brass Band outside Bangor Parish Church for a joyous carol session.

*Please note that some activities may incur costs and are subject to change and availability.

For more information, see visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas.

14/11/2024

A new play inspired by a pioneering trans woman who drove a bus from Bangor to Belfast in the late 70’s will be performed onboard a vintage Ulsterbus at Belfast Castle

‘Suspect Device’, inspired by the life of trailblazing Wilma Creith, will be performed by Kabosh Theatre Company as part of the annual Outburst Arts Festival from November 19 to December 1 2024, and forms part of Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 celebration of creativity.

https://thebelfasttimes.com/blogs/culture-reviews/wilma-creith

04/11/2024

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, is keen to recognise the unsung heroes of our Borough, particularly those that work to improve the environment, increase civic pride in their local area and help to look after their own community. The first to receive the Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition is 12-year-old Freddie McMonagle from Bangor.

Freddie can be regularly found out and about in the Albany area of Bangor. He cuts grass in public areas, picks up litter and removes dog fouling. He encouraged the Council to erect dog fouling signage in particularly challenging areas and he regularly gets involved in charity work, raising money for the likes of St. John Ambulance through cake sales.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

“Freddie is an absolute credit to Bangor and indeed the whole of Ards and North Down. He takes great pride in his local area and is always thinking of others. It is really important to recognise the work that Freddie, and others across the Borough, are doing. Freddie is a deserving first recipient of my Mayor’s Certificate of Recognition and I hope we will be able to recognise several more over the coming months.”

If you know of any individual who works hard to improve the environment and increase civic pride in their local area, email [email protected] with their name, location and contact details, together with information about the work they carry out in the Borough. Please note that due to a limited number of certificates, not every nomination will be successful.

29/10/2024

November Exhibitions at Ards Arts Centre

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of November: Aspire: Ventures in Craft, a group exhibition between by Homo Faber Fellows 2023: Claire Mooney, Jackson Byrne, Richard Butler and Noel Donnellan and Lemon Juice, a solo exhibition by Kathryn Graham.

In Aspire: Ventures in Craft, the artists, who all recently completed an internship ran by the Michelangelo Foundation, explore themes of sustainability, links to the land and the transmission of traditional skills in the contemporary field. The Homo Faber Fellowship enabled this group to develop their practice and work alongside master artisans.

This show celebrates the learning, development and collaborations which took place throughout this time. From photographs, drawings, and tests to final outcomes, this show is a window on their learning process while showcasing craft to a new audience. Aspire: Ventures in Craft will show in the Georgian Gallery.

Lemon Juice reflects on the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The exhibition investigates the role of images as emblematic mediators of memory, exploring symbols and motifs from popular media, both past and present. It playfully examines perception and perspective, questioning our differing views of the world and the stories we tell ourselves.

Kathryn Graham is a Belfast based visual artist and lecturer at Belfast School of Art. Graham’s work is informed by playful exploration of material through mixed media printmaking, drawing, installation and sculpture. Lemon Juice will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Friday 1 November and continue until Thursday 28 November. Admission to Ards Arts Centre is free.

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 7 November at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

28/10/2024

Mayor Officially Opens Bryansburn Allotments Shed and Community Space

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, officially opened the new Bryansburn Allotment Association shed and community space during a Bryansburn Allotments clean-up week that was held in October.

Community gardens and allotments are helping to transform urban and rural landscapes across the country. They offer vital benefits for health, environmental sustainability and help bring people together.

Situated just off the Bryansburn Road in Bangor, community growers welcomed the Mayor to the Bryansburn Allotments. The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

“The new shed and community space is an excellent addition for Bryansburn Allotments. Allotments and gardens create safe, therapeutic spaces for residents to unwind and connect with nature, and community growing provides both physical exercise and mental health benefits. Having this new shed and shared space will encourage connection and sharing of expertise at the allotment. It is not just about growing food but also building a healthier, more resilient community.”

Tony Stevenson, Chair of Bryansburn Allotments, said:

“We are delighted as a group to have this new shared space. As a committee, we have been discussing plans to make best use of this shed and outside space. With increasing demand for these spaces, our intention is to involve the wider community in future activities.”

The Council’s Let’s Grow Together Strategy (2021–2032) highlights the growing demand for these spaces and their significant social and ecological impact. It aims to empower communities by improving access to land for food growing and emphasises the importance of local food production in strengthening economic resilience and community wellbeing.

With increasing demand for these spaces, Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to the benefits of community growing.

For more information, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/parks.

22/10/2024

Kilcooley Primary leading the way on environment and climate action, says Muir.

North Down Alliance MLA Andrew Muir has visited Kilcooley Primary School in Bangor to hear more about its plans to transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The school is one of four in North Down to sign up for the 'Let's Go Zero' campaign, which aims to support teachers and pupils to meet the target.

The North Down MLA met with Principal Brown, P7 teacher and Well-being Coordinator Mr Hall, and P6 teacher and Eco Committee Head Mrs Johnston, as well as the children of the Eco-Committee.

Commenting about the visit to Kilcooley P.S., Andrew Muir said: "I was so impressed by my visit to Kilcooley Primary School and the ambition shown by signing up to the ‘Let’s Go Zero’ pledge. The students and teachers there are leading the way on climate and environmental action and are an example to us all.

“The Eco-Committee was full of ideas and are already doing so much to be environmentally conscious and for the good of their community, whether it is reducing food waste in their school canteen, using their reusable water bottles, litter picking or raising money for charity through the cycling club. It is really inspiring to see work like this happening at a local school.

“We could all learn from these young people and look at what more we could do to be better stewards of our environment. Clearly, the future is in good hands, but we must all take responsibility to ensure we are leaving the planet in a good state for the next generation.”

According to the campaign's website, just over 900,000 students are behind the Let's Go Zero pledge. Andrew Muir MLA also used the opportunity to urge other schools to join the campaign.

"The staff at Kilcooley are doing an excellent job at teaching the pupils the importance of sustainability and looking after their local environment. This work could be replicated across North Down and I would encourage other schools to sign the up to the pledge.”

22/10/2024

Ards Puppet Festival Celebrates the Animal Kingdom this Half Term!

Come along to Ards Puppet Festival in Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, for lots of puppet family fun! The Autumn-themed festival, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, will welcome a packed programme celebrating animals of all shapes and sizes, through puppetry performances, workshops, and even a Puppet Petting Farm!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of puppetry with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling, where you’ll meet the Story Man and a host of other colourful characters. Join Henry Clutterback and The Musicians of Bremen on an exciting new journey filled with friendship and bravery. Keep an eye out for the wolf in Banyan Puppet Theatre’s classic rendition of Red Riding Hood and get ready for plenty of fun when Granny hosts a sleepover in the brand-new show Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Over both days, festival-goers can enjoy Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s lively performance of Billy Goats Gruff and Professor Queen-Bee’s It’s Bee-Hind You, a Punch and Judy-style show with a ‘green’ twist. Handmade Theatre Company will charm audiences with their Puppet Petting Farm, where families can interact with handcrafted animal puppets. Children can also participate in puppet-making workshops to create their own characters.

Speaking about the festival, Arts Community Development Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “We are thrilled to be presenting a variety of puppet talent at this year’s festival and can't wait to welcome families to Ards Arts Centre for a truly magical event which will appeal to young and old alike.”

With a mix of bookable shows and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two-days of fun for the whole family. The festival takes place from 27 – 28 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

29/05/2024

This Weekend’s Sea Bangor (1-2 June) Features New 1940s Dance Hall and Milk Bar

The City of Bangor will be a hive of activity this weekend with Sea Bangor (1-2 June), a free-to-attend maritime festival which features a 1940s themed programme to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the festival is open from midday until 6pm on Saturday and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday. A fantastic programme of music acts including The Leading Ladies and Soda Popz will bring a nostalgic feel to the city.

Adding to the nostalgia will be a new feature for this year’s festival which will have a 1940s dance hall and milk bar. South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Performing Arts students will be dressed in 1940s style outfits and have been working hard on their dancing routines. They are excited about performing in their local city and visitors can see them dance in the stretch tent or grab a selfie with them as they do walkabouts in their 1940s clothing.

Quay Street Car Park will have a distinct holiday atmosphere with lots of 1940s themed fun while Eisenhower Pier will host some fantastic food demos at the Demo Kitchen where chefs from SERC will create tasty dishes. Walkabout entertainers and traditional Punch and Judy shows will entertain families and kids can complete the Sea Bangor City Passport by visiting participating retailers. Collect all 14 stamps to receive a prize.

On-the-water activities include pre-bookable ‘have a go’ kayaking and paddleboarding sessions, or find out about the crucial role that Bangor had to play in preparation for the D-Day Landings with a Bangor Bay D-Day boat trip. Limited tickets are still available.

If you prefer keeping your feet firmly on dry land, watch the rowing competitions as local teams and military teams battle for victory. Head to Eisenhower Pier to see the e-foiling demonstrations (2.45pm and 5.10pm) or visit Seacliff Road to watch the Artemis eFoiler – the world’s first 100% electric commercial workboat – in action at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

08/03/2024

Good luck Buttonmoon with your new shop on Dufferin Avenue!

We are very excited for your new adventure 👶🏻 🩵🩷

27/02/2024

📕 🥰

📣 OPENING THIS FRIDAY 📣

27/02/2024

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Day One - Queens Parade Development has started. :-)

08/01/2024

Hidden History: A look at the new archaeological discoveries in our Borough

Ever year archaeologists unearth new and exciting secrets of our past, making new discoveries help us to understand the lives of our ancestors.

This exhibition explores these new discoveries and looks at the story of our Borough from the earliest human settlers, and how these communities developed and expanded over the centuries.

North Down Museum
Thu 18 Jan - Sun 7 April
Free

06/01/2024

What’s On: Princess Victoria Disaster exhibition

In collaboration with Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company, this exhibition will recount the terrible events of the Princess Victoria maritime disaster that occurred on 31 January 1953.
With a loss of 135 passengers and crew, it remains the worst shipping disaster in the history of the province.

North Down Museum
Tue 16 Jan - Sun 24 March
Free

05/01/2024

From today, Friday 5 January, Ballycopeland Windmill, based in Millisle, will be offering free admission to the visitor attraction with a pass, issued with any purchase from the café.

Free admission is for self-guided tours only.

Offer ends 29th January 2024.

04/01/2024

What’s on: North Down Museum Cafe

An exhibition by Ards Arts Club, a vibrant local art group founded over 20 years ago. Members work in a variety of mediums and gather together to celebrate their individuality, diversity and vibrant artistic paintings.

North Down Museum (Café)
Tues 9 Jan - Sun 25 Feb
Free