Please note, this event took place in 2023. These are some of the activities that took place. Keep an eye on this page for exciting details of the 2024 festival which is due to take place Thursday 5 – Sunday 15 September.
This is a glimpse of what to expect, based on our 2023 programme which took place between 31 August - 10 September 2023.
A packed programme of free and ticketed events showcasing the very best of Ards and North Down’s food and drink.
Savour seasonal tide and turf produce and some of the borough's finest food and drink as we celebrate the very best of our local seafood, beef and harvest foods.
Programme Highlights
Stargazing at Burr Point | Thursday 31 August | From 8.15pm -
Please note: Due to the weather forecast, Stargazing has moved to Friday 1 September, all ticketholders will be contacted directly.
Stargazing at Ballyhalbert's Burr Point. You can enjoy a hot chocolate at the islands most easterly point and explore the incredible starry skies with the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society and their telescopes. Find out more.
Dine at the Dock | Friday 1 September | From 7pm
Dine at the Dock with Celebrity Chef Paula McIntyre who will host this unique dining experience at Portavogie Harbour. This evening showcasing will feature the finest local produce with a menu curated by curated by Paula, in partnership with the team at the local South Eastern Regional College (SERC). Find out more.
Tide and Turf Food Festival Portavogie | Saturday 2 September | 12noon - 5pm
A FREE to attend family fun event showcasing local food and drink featuring celebrity chef Paula McIntyre. Enjoy this celebration of land and sea and savour the season with delicious local tide and turf produce.
Find out more.
Chilli Festival, Bangor Castle Walled Garden | 9 and 10 September | 10am - 4pm
Things are hotting up in the Walled Garden on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. Showcasing many different varieties of chilli plants from around the world, local food producers, an evening BBQ (Saturday 9 Sept, 6pm - ticketed), live music and lots of fun!
Find out more about the Chilli Festival and Chilli Festival Evening BBQ.
Please note all details subject to change.
Online booking fees apply where relevant. None when booking in person or by phone via our Visitor Information Centres.
These event is being photographed and filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional materials. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff.
Burr Point Sculpture Artist: Ned Jackson Smyth.
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