BANGOR is set to come alive with music and fun for all ages next month.
Bangor Vibes (Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd), takes place ahead of Belfast hosting the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture (Sunday to Sunday, August 2 to 9).
The weekend-long celebration in Bangor will showcase the very best of the city’s creativity and hospitality through a varied programme featuring the 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships, Bangor Beats and Rhythms, The Queen Magic Experience and live entertainment in various locations across the city.
Mayor of Ards and North Down Craig Blaney, said: “Bangor Vibes showcases everything that makes our city special, from great music and welcoming hospitality to beautiful outdoor spaces and a strong sense of community.
“Whether you’re coming for the Pipe Band Championships, Bangor Beats and Rhythms, The Queen Magic Experience or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.”
The 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships will return to Ward Park on Saturday, August 1st from 11am to 6pm. The long-running competition will welcome pipe bands from across the region and further afield, with the sound of pipes and drums filling the park throughout the day.
Also on Saturday, August 1st, Bangor Beats and Rhythms will bring music and dance to Holborn Square in the city centre from 1pm to 9pm.
Hosted by Cool FM’s Rebecca McKinney, the free, family-friendly event will feature performances and interactive experiences for audiences of all ages, including performances by Ards CCÉ musicians; interactive set dancing sessions led by Oisín McCann; a special appearance from Riverdance principal dancer Lauren Smyth and her dance school; songs from the Big Blue, celebrating coastal-inspired traditional music; and a finale performance – The Hoolie Hootenanny, bringing audiences and performers together
There will also be the Artisan Bar and food stalls offering a blend of local flavours and refreshments.
Visitors can watch, listen, take part and enjoy a range of activities in the city centre throughout the afternoon and evening. While the event is free, spaces are limited; if capacity is reached, a one-in, one-out system will operate, and attendees may be required to queue before gaining entry.
Adding a different musical flavour to the weekend, The Queen Magic Experience, presented by Open House, will bring the music and spectacle of one of the world’s most iconic rock bands to Ward Park Bandstand, Bangor, on Sunday, August 2 from 3pm to 5pm. Audiences can look forward to an energetic live performance celebrating Queen’s greatest hits, adding to a weekend with something for everyone.
On Saturday, August 1st, visitors can use the dedicated shuttle service to travel between key locations and enjoy the entertainment on offer throughout Bangor. This free service requires no ticket and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
Shuttle service stops will be available at Balloo Park & Ride (NIE building/Elim Church); Bloomfield Shopping Centre; Bangor Hospital (for Ward Park and The 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships); Bangor Bus Station; and Mills Road, Bingham Street (for Holborn Square and Bangor Beats and Rhythms).
Two additional car parks will also be open from 8am to 7pm at Glenlola Collegiate and Bethany Baptist Church.
Further details are available at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/bangorvibes, with updates shared across official council channels.
