Festive Arts Events In Ards And North Down

Ards and North Down Borough Council's Arts and Heritage Service has some fantastic festive events on offer this Christmas season. Shoppers are invited to two unique festive shopping experiences where they can browse and purchase beautiful, handcrafted products created by local artists and makers.

The special events which will be located in North Down Museum, Bangor and Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards are sure to offer ideal Christmas gifts.

North Down Museum's Pop-Up Christmas Shop takes place from Wednesday 22 November to Sunday 7 January. The museum's galleries with be festively decorated and filled with stunning, hand-made products, the perfect place to get that special gift whilst supporting local artists. The shop is free to explore during museum opening hours.

On Thursday 30 November, the museum is hosting a special Late Night Shopping Event where visitors can browse the galleries and buy unique presents in a completely different way. The event will also feature live music and artists demonstrations.

The Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted produce made by the Creative Peninsula Artists. For a unique shopping experience, visitors can browse the artworks and be inspired to purchase a wonderful, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down. Seasonal interludes, complimentary gift wrapping and festive refreshments will also be on offer. The Christmas Fayre is on 4pm – 8pm on Friday 1 and 10am – 4pm on Saturday 2 December. Admission is free.

Kids will love Little Miss Muffet's Christmas Adventure at the Queen's Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 9 December at 2pm and 6.30pm. Presented by Centre Stage Company, this hilarious Christmas tale with catchy songs and simple effects is guaranteed to have children shrieking with delighted. Tickets are on sale now and cost £8.

A Christmas Night at the Movies will be an enchanting evening of Christmas and movie favourites, taking place in the beautiful Chamber Room in Bangor Castle on Thursday 14 December. Performed and hosted by one of Northern Ireland's finest vocalists and Bangor's own Michelle Baird, the concert will feature much loved hits and themes from popular films including Elf, Love Actually and Home Alone as well as West End and chart favourites and Christmas classics. Joining Michelle will be the talented pianist Steve Barnett, along with Stephen McClenahan on guitar and other guest performers. Tickets cost £15 including festive refreshments.

Speaking about the events, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: We have something for everyone this Christmas with opportunities to purchase unique handcrafted gifts, festive fun for all the family at our Christmas show with Centre Stage Theatre Company and an atmospheric evening of music at Bangor Castle with the wonderful Michelle Baird that's guaranteed to get you into the seasonal spirit!

For more information to book tickets visit: www.andculture.org.uk