Ards and North Down Unveil Vibrant Spring Arts and Heritage Programme
Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched its Spring Arts and Heritage Programme, offering an inspiring selection of events, concerts, exhibitions, and creative opportunities taking place across the Borough from January to April 2026.
Music takes centre stage this season with the return of the Ards International Guitar Festival in April.
Celebrating its 30th year, the packed programme features an exciting mix of gigs, free fringe activity, and a rock exhibition.
Friday Night Live also returns to Ards Arts Centre with performances by The High Lonesome, Ben Reel and Glass Half Full. Ards CCÉ will open this year’s Music in the Chamber series at Bangor Castle on 19 February with a celebration of Irish traditional music.
Opera fans will enjoy Spring Solstice with NI Opera on 20 March, a beautifully curated lunchtime concert featuring much-loved seasonal favourites.
Theatre lovers have two standout productions to enjoy at Studio 1A Theatre in Bangor. On 10 April, Jak-In-The-Box Pop-Up Theatre presents The Bench, a warm and witty exploration of the quirky characters who pass through a local park, performed by Julie Kinsella and Maria Quinn.
Later in the month, on 29 April, Isosceles Theatre Company brings the powerful drama The Man Who Left the Titanic to the stage, revisiting the fateful 1912 voyage and examining the legacy of J. Bruce Ismay.
Families can look forward to the return of Young Aspects from 27 February to 1 March, offering workshops, storytelling sessions and author events designed to ignite young imaginations.
Writers will also be pleased to see the return of Aspects Festival Club, with monthly events offering writers and audiences alike the chance to share and celebrate new writing.
Those seeking a new hobby can choose from a wide range of creative classes and workshops in ceramics, illustration, calligraphy and more, delivered at Ards Arts Centre and venues throughout the Borough.
At North Down Museum, the ever-popular Arts Night at the Museum takes place on Friday 20 March, offering a free evening of hands-on creative activity for all ages.
The Little Historians workshop returns at Easter along with the ever-popular Easter Trail for children and families. The museum will also present new exhibitions exploring The Birth of Irish Motor Racing and Boat Building at Ballyholme.
Arts and Heritage Manager Emily Crawford added: “Our Spring programme is bursting with activity! From hands-on creative sessions to the Ards International Guitar Festival, Young Aspects, exhibitions, theatre and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Visit our website or pick up a guide to explore the full line-up.”
Online booking for all music and theatre events, as well as class and workshop enrolment, opens Thursday 11 December.
View the full Spring Programme and book at:
