Ards Puppet Festival Returns with a Sea-Faring Adventure for Families
Families can look forward to two days of puppet-packed fun this October as the much-loved Ards Puppet Festival returns to Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th October 2026.
This year’s festival takes audiences on an adventure beneath the waves with a programme inspired by the sea, featuring pirates, puffins, mermaids, beachcombers and underwater adventures designed to delight children and their families.
All performances are suitable for ages four and over.
Festival audiences will enjoy an exciting programme of professional puppet theatre from some of the finest companies working in children’s theatre today.
Highlights include Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s swashbuckling adventure Three Little Pirate Pigs, Banyan Puppet Theatre and Zoe Ramsey’s magical production The Fisherman and the Mermaid, and Puffling Productions’ heartwarming tale of friendship, Puffling Percy.
Alongside the ticketed performances, visitors can also enjoy a range of free activities throughout the festival, including puppet-making workshops, immersive miniature theatre experiences from Strangeface Theatre, animated film screenings, interactive performances and beach-themed storytelling.
A programme highlight will be the colourful Giant Puppet Parade, presented by Beat Carnival, which will take place on Sunday afternoon in Conway Square.
Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Officer at Ards and North Down Borough Council, said: “Ards Puppet Festival is all about creating magical experiences that families can enjoy together.
“This year we’re taking audiences on a seaside adventure filled with imagination, storytelling and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re meeting a mischievous pirate, a friendly penguin or a magical mermaid, there’s plenty to discover.
“We hope families will make a day of it, enjoy the performances and activities, and create happy memories together.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via the festival website.
To view the full programme and book tickets visit: What’s On | Ards Puppet Festival
