Events in Ards Borough

Performance in St Patrick's Church, Newtownards at 7.45pm. Tickets £10 are available from Scrabo Electical, Regent Street, Newtownards.

- SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER

A wide variety of 'Small Works', artwork ranging from £150 - £3,000 approx. showcasing well known and emerging Irish Artists.

The Battletown Gallery, 90 Bowtown Road, Newtownards
Tues - Sat 11.30am - 4.30pm
Easy parking and wheelchair accessible.

T: 028 9182 2626
W: www.thebattletowngallery.com

- SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER

A synthetic ice rink will be operational throughout the Festival (skates provided). Santa, followed by a merry band of helpers, will parade through the town to his grotto where he will be available to meet the children. Shops will be open late and stalls will be in place to add to the festive atmosphere.

Fri 2pm onwards
Admission: Free (small charge for skating)

Swingabella is a close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the 30s, and 40s - the Swing era.

The creation of Swingabella stems from the three members' love of the intimate and intricate harmonies of the Andrews Sisters in the 40s and the Boswells Sisters before them. Nothing conjures up the image of that era quite like the jaunty Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree and the ever-popular In The Mood coquettishly sung by three broads in victory rolls and T-bar shoes! With a smattering of Christmas favourites and backed by a quartet, Swingabella promise to deliver a fun and festive night out.

Swingabella are Karen Hamill, Aine Whelan and Siobhan Pettit.

Queen's Hall, Newtownards, 8pm. Tickets £10 (£8 concession) from Ards Arts Centre, Tel: 028 9181 0803.

Millisle & District Community Association invites you to and the whole family to come along to see the switching on of the Christmas lights and then for a visit from Santa who will be arriving to meet all the children in his grotto.

Masonic Hall, Main Street Millisle
6.30pm - 8.30pm

Wrap up warm and join the villagers in their annual carol service for the Christmas lights switch on. The Square, Portaferry
5pm
Admission: Free
T: 077 4216 7917
W: www.portaferry.com

Create a unique piece of artwork using the technique of Monopriniting with a Christmas theme in mind. Participants will learn the simple yet effective technique of Monoprinting using inks, a roller and a plate. Suitable for beginners.

With Alison Speers
Ards Crafts, Craft and Design Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD
11am - 1pm
Admission: £8 (all materials provided) Booking essential, maximum 8 people.
T: 028 9182 6846

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Time to get into the festive spirit with a Christmas Craft Fair and a visit from Santa. On Sunday Santa dons a wetsuit to bring a festive feast to the fishy residents of the Open Sea Tank.

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry
Mon - Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Admission: Adult £7, Child & Concession £4.50, Family (2A & 4C) £22.50 (1A & 4C) £19.50, Under 4s Free
T: 028 4272 8062
W: www.exploris.org.uk

A show for the whole family with a feast of circus skills and a flavour of Christmas.

Jim & Dr Nick, two of Ireland's leading street entertainers are coming indoors for December. The show will run for approximately 1hour and includes juggling, unicycling, illusions and magic as well as slapstick routines which would be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Not to be missed - it's magic!

Ballywalter Village Hall, 8pm. Tickets: £3. Tel Ards Arts Centre: 028 91810803.

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This weekly market features local foods, bakery, preserves and craftwork.

Market House, The Square, Portaferry
9am - 12noon
Admission: Free

Meet Santa, enjoy magical storytelling and join in our crafty Christmas workshops.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £5 Child £12.50 (includes refreshments)
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www.wwt.org.uk/castle-espie

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy an evening of Christmas music in the wonderful setting of Mount Stewart's black and white Central hall. Price includes interval refreshments. Booking essential. Contact reception./p>

Admission: Adult £25 Price includes interval refreshments. Booking essential.
7.30pm

T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The event is a short circuit karting meeting organised by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland and features direct drive junior and senior classes. The event is round number 2 of a 4 rounds Kirkistown Karting Winter Series. Full catering service provided.

Kirkistown Racing Circuit, 130 Rubane Road, Kircubbin
10am - 3pm

Admission: spectator admission is free
T: 028 4277 1325 / 028 9186 1429
W: www.kirkistown.com

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

with Dr Noel Mitchell
Ards Art Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards
8pm

Dr Mitchell is a retired university lecturer who will be giving a talk on a part of Northern Ireland which is often overlooked but which is rich in history and folklore. All visitors welcome.

- SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER

A traditional pantomime suitable for all the family and a cracker of a way to get into the festive mood. Sing-a-long, boo the baddy, cheer the hero and laugh along with Granny and Grubby and hope all ends well for Little Red Riding Hood. Will you help Little Red Riding Hood and her friends save Granny from the wolf ???

by Ian H Foster
Web Theatre, 49 North Street, Newtownards, BT23 4DE
Thurs & Fri 7.30pm Sat 2pm
Parking at rear of theatre.
Admission: £10 & £8 group and family rates available (all seats allocated at time of booking)
T: 028 9182 8234
W: www.webtheatre.biz

- 18 December

Christmas is a magical time of the year for children and at the 'Ark' we try to recreate what it was like on that very first Christmas with our nativity scene and real live animals. Santa comes to stay in his house at the farm, a special log cabin where he takes the boys and girls to visit and receive a present. Santa's friendly elves will be looking after his real baby reindeers and letting children feed and pet them.

Christmas Time Special
The Ark Open Farm
Thurs & Fri 4pm - 7pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm
Admission: Check website
T: 028 9182 0445 Pre-booking is essential for Thursday and Fridays late night openings.
W: www.thearkopenfarm.co.uk

Create a unique piece of artwork using the technique of Monopriniting with a Christmas theme in mind. Participants will learn the simple yet effective technique of Monoprinting using inks, a roller and a plate. Suitable for beginners.

With Alison Speers
Ards Crafts, Craft and Design Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD
11am - 1pm
Admission: £8 (all materials provided) Booking essential, maximum 8 people.
T: 028 9182 6846

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Meet Santa, enjoy magical storytelling and join in our crafty Christmas workshops.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £5 Child £12.50 (includes refreshments)
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www.wwt.org.uk/castle-espie

The line at Drumawhey is the longest 7¼ gauge railway in Ireland and includes a station, signal cabin, two bridges and a level crossing. The ride is over 1.5km long. In 2011 extensions were opened and there is now a choice of routes. Santa arrives at noon.

Belfast and County Down Miniature Railway
Drumawhey Junction Railway at Upper Gransha Road, Newtownards
12noon - 4pm
Admission: Adult £2.50, Child ride, visit Santa and receive present £6, Child ride and no Santa £2
T: 028 9147 3948/028 9188 3844
W: www.bcdmrs.org.uk

- 24 December

Christmas is a magical time of the year for children and at the 'Ark' we try to recreate what it was like on that very first Christmas with our nativity scene and real live animals. Santa comes to stay in his house at the farm, a special log cabin where he takes the boys and girls to visit and receive a present. Santa's friendly elves will be looking after his real baby reindeers and letting children feed and pet them.

Christmas Time Special
The Ark Open Farm
Thurs & Fri 4pm - 7pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm
Admission: Check website
T: 028 9182 0445 Pre-booking is essential for Thursday and Fridays late night openings.
W: www.thearkopenfarm.co.uk

Come and visit Santa in his magical winter woodland. With crafts, a woodland trail, a present for children who visit Santa and refreshments for adults. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

10am - 5pm
Admission: Adult £6 Child £14.50 (Booking essential)
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Burn off the Christmas calories with a brisk guided walk. Feed the birds, visit our hides, and enjoy the fresh air with a jovial companion as your guide.
12noon, 2pm

Admission: Normal Adult £5.91, Concession £4.50 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed), Child £2.91, Family £15.91 (2A & 2C)
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www.wwt.org.uk/castle-espie

The line at Drumawhey is the longest 7¼ gauge railway in Ireland and includes a station, signal cabin, two bridges and a level crossing. The ride is over 1.5km long with a choice of routes.

Drumawhey Junction Railway at Upper Gransha Road, Newtownards
1pm until dark
Admission: Adult £2.50 Child £2
T: 028 9147 3948/028 9188 3844
W: www.bcdmrs.org.uk

- SATURDAY 31 MARCH

The Kinder Transport Project is the history of Jewish refugees from Europe during the Second World War. The exhibition partner is Millisle Primary School, which has a link with "Magills Farm" where 70-90 Jewish refugees were accommodated. Exhibition panels, audio and visual aids explain all. The exhibition is incorporated into the Boys Brigade exhibits tracking their history since it was founded by William Alexander Smith in 1883.

Boys Brigade Heritage Museum, Ganaway
Mon - Sat 10am-4pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted) Booking essential, 48 hours notice needed. (Groups of 5 or more facilated only)
T: 028 9186 1297
W: belfast.boys-brigade.org.uk/ www.ganaway.co.uk

A New Year means new resolutions so if you have some spare time, want to learn something new, meet new friends or simply give back to your local area, why not come along today and find out about the great volunteering opportunities available at Mount Stewart. Suitable clothing and footwear is advised for both indoors and outdoors.

Admission: Free
T: 028 4278 8387
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

with Rev. McConnell Auld.
Con Auld is a retired minister and former mayor of North Down. In 1210 King John came to Ireland and marched north into Ulster to drive out the earl, Hugh de Lacy. Con Auld will be recalling the events of that year when King John made his progress through this part of Ireland. All visitors welcome.

Ards Art Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards
8pm

- MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY

With a Bachelors and Master's degree in Fine Art from America, she has several scholarship awards and numerous exhibitions. Maria arrived in Ireland in 1989 and made it her home. Her vivid pastels have been exhibited throughout Ireland. She has also been giving pastel workshops and demonstrations to art groups across Northern Ireland.

The Old Post Office, Lisbane
Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm
Admission: Free
T: 028 9754 3335
W: www.oldpostofficelisbane.co.uk

Professor Brian Walker will give a talk entitled 'Obama's Irish Relatives'. Refreshments will be provided afterwards.

The Sailing Club, 20 Shore Street, Donaghadee
7.45pm
Admission: £2
T: 028 9188 4790
W: www.donaghadeehistoricalsociety.org.uk

Dr Bell worked for many years at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where he was an expert on the history of agriculture in Northern Ireland. He will be looking at some of the well known families in Co. Down many of whom have held land for many generations and continue to work their holdings today. All visitors welcome.

Ards Art Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards
8pm

The event is a short circuit karting meeting organised by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland and features direct drive junior and senior classes. The event is the final round of the Kirkistown Karting Winter Series. Full catering service provided.

Kirkistown Racing Circuit, 130 Rubane Road, Kircubbin
10am - 3pm
Admission: spectator admission is free
T: 028 4277 1325 / 028 9186 1429
W: www.kirkistown.com