Bangor’s Jubilee fever
THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Bangor at the weekend for what is likely to be the biggest event in the borough since the lifting of Covid restrictions.
With good weather predicted throughout the weekend, celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the popular Sea Bangor Festival are expected to attract huge crowds.
Ards and North Down Council has arranged a packed programme of events and activities taking place across the bank holiday weekend and throughout the month of June.
Across the borough, events will take place to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, including a special exhibition at North Down Museum, and a variety of community festivals and street parties.
In keeping with tradition, beacons will be lit in three locations tonight (Thursday) to mark the Jubilee – at Bangor Town Hall, at Conway Square, in Newtownards, and at Burr Point, in Ballyhalbert.
The outgoing Mayor of Ards and North Down, Mark Brooks, who stepped down this week, said he was looking forward to the festivities.
“I am excited to be counting down to this exciting event, celebrating the seven decades of Her Majesty the Queen’s outstanding reign,” he said.
“I would encourage everyone to make a weekend of it and enjoy what will undoubtedly be a fun experience for the whole family.”
The centre-piece of the celebrations in Bangor will be the Sea Bangor Festival on Saturday and Sunday with themes from the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.
There will be beach huts, vintage funfair rides and the Platinum Palace, with a repertoire of music from the eras in Quay Street Car Park. The Festival Bar will be themed to reflect a 1950s diner, complete with roller-skating waitresses.
The Demo Kitchen will feature chefs from each of the decades who will serve iconic recipes as they recreate the classics of their era.
Celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, will hold demonstrations as well as masterclasses in making crepes and omelettes.
He will be joined by other renowned local chefs for a packed foodie programme taking place across the two days that also includes the prizegiving for the Platinum Pudding competition.
Eisenhower Pier will be lined with a selection of pop-up bars, the Corgi Café, plus food and craft stalls, with seating areas for visitors to sit and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
A pop-up beach with arts and crafts provided by Boom Studios will keep the children entertained, as well as face painting, storytelling, and Jubilee cupcake decorating.
For more information about all of the Jubilee activities, including links to community events, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/platinumjubilee.
