By Julie Waters
THE 40th anniversary celebrations of North Down Museum is just one of the highlights of the new Arts and Heritage Autumn programme.
Compiled by Ards and North Down Council the programme is packed with an exciting lineup of events, exhibitions, classes, and workshops running from September to December this year.
Included in the programme is the Aspects literary festival, as well as the Ards Puppet Festival, productions by the Arco String Quartet and the return of the popular Christmas Fayres for yuletide shoppers.
Looking forward to the autumn schedule, Emily Crawford, arts and heritage manager, said there will be a jam-packed programme of activity for everyone this autumn and winter.
“There are plenty of hands-on activities to keep you busy as the nights draw in and you can help us celebrate North Down Museum’s 40th birthday this autumn with a special series of talks and an exhibition,” she said.
“We also have an array of seasonal events, local hand-made shopping opportunities and workshops to get you into the festive spirit.’’
Also among the programme’s highlights is the Aspects Festival, taking place in Bangor from September 25 to October 6, with authors Mary Costello, Evelyn Conlon, and Andrew Hughes just a few of the notable names on this year’s impressive roster.
Known for featuring renowned authors alongside local and emerging talent, the festival will host a diverse array of events, including discussions on memoirs, politics, history, poetry, and new writing, as well as workshops and more.
The Ards Puppet Festival will return to Ards Arts Centre on October 27 and 28, offering a magical experience for all ages. Expect enchanting performances by Banyan Theatre, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre and Sealegs Theatre Company.
Friday Night Live returns to Ards Arts Centre this autumn, presenting Paul Casey, Cormac Neeson and Anthony Toner.
Arco String Quartet will perform at Bangor Castle and Dyad Productions will bring their Christmas Carol production to the Space Theatre, at the Bangor campus of South Eastern Regional College.
For Christmas shoppers, there will be the Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre on December 6 and 7. Here, visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience as Creative Peninsula artists and makers showcase and sell their handcrafted artwork.
For those interested in hands-on experiences or learning new skills, Ards Arts Centre offers a full schedule of creative classes where participants can explore new crafts and create their own unique works of art.
North Down Museum turns 40 this year and to celebrate, the museum is hosting a special exhibition which explores the history of the museum and will take visitors on a trip down memory lane.
A series of special talks has also been programmed focusing on some of the collection’s most iconic artefacts.
The museum will welcome back the Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop. From November 22 to January 5, the museum’s galleries will be filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers, available for visitors to browse and purchase.
View the full programme and book tickets at: www.andculture.org.uk. Printed copies of the Autumn Arts and Heritage guide are available from Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum.
The full schedule is available to view online and to book now.
More on this and all of the local arts scene every week in the County Down Spectator.
