Bangor by the Sea

🎵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆,
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆! 🎵
There is something wonderfully dramatic about this photograph from Holborn Square tonight.

Beneath a spectacular sky, the stage is taking shape, the bunting is flying, the tents are going up, and the final preparations are underway. There is already a real sense of anticipation in the air.

Tomorrow, this space will be transformed for Bangor Beats and Rhythms, one of Bangor’s Fleadh fringe celebrations, bringing music, colour, dancing and festival atmosphere into the heart of the city.

And the party will not stop at Holborn Square. Mill Row, beside Wolsey’s, will host another lively street party, while the music and festival atmosphere will continue along Quay Street and Crosby Street, beside The Rabbit Rooms. 🎻🥁🎶

🗓️ Tomorrow, Saturday 1 August from 1pm
📍 Holborn Square, Mill Row and Quay Street, Bangor

The scene is set. The excitement is building. Now all that is missing is the crowd.

Come into Bangor, bring the family and help turn Holborn Square into one enormous celebration of music and rhythm! ☘️🎻🥁🎶

𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄
The first important step has been taken in the revival of Bangor’s former Flagship Centre, with Rodeo Doughnuts becoming the first tenant publicly announced for the new Marina Village development.

The popular business, known for its handcrafted doughnuts, quality coffee and loyal customer following, is set to open at Marina Village when the transformed destination welcomes the public in 2027.

After years of uncertainty surrounding the former shopping centre, the announcement provides the first clear indication of the type of businesses being attracted to its new mixed-use future.

Marina Village is being developed as a vibrant destination combining food, leisure, fitness, workspace and retail, creating a place where residents and visitors can eat, explore, work and unwind.

The Marina Village team has made it clear that this is only the beginning, promising that many more announcements are still to come.

The confirmation of the first tenant represents an important vote of confidence in the project and an encouraging early step towards bringing one of Bangor city centre’s largest vacant buildings back into active use.

The first name is now on the board, and attention will quickly turn to who will be announced next. 🍩☕🤠

📍 Marina Village, Bangor, Northern Ireland
🗓️ Opening in 2027

𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 £𝟓𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍’𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄
The former Dickson’s Garden Centre could be preparing for a remarkable new chapter, complete with antiques, local food, extensive gardens and even two genuine Viking boats with their own screen history.

Council planning officers have recommended approval of ambitious proposals to transform the former Dickson’s Home and Garden Centre at Cootehall Road into a major garden and antique destination incorporating a farm and deli shop, café, restaurant, landscaped grounds and children’s play area. The application will come before the Ards and North Down Planning Committee on Tuesday 4 August at 7pm.

At the heart of the plans is the proposed relocation of On The Square Emporium from Belfast. The business, which merged with Refound in 2014, is described as a vast collection of furniture, lighting, décor, rugs, art, architectural salvage, garden pieces, ironmongery and collectables. The stated vision is to combine its antique business with a revived garden centre, placing a strong emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling.

The application’s supporting statement goes further, describing an ambition to establish what it says would be the largest combined antique and garden centre with a deli and farm shop on the island of Ireland. It is expected to operate as a regional visitor destination rather than simply another conventional retail outlet.

Plans would remodel and extend the existing buildings, improving the connections between the different retail areas and creating a route through which visitors could browse the antiques, garden centre and outdoor displays before reaching the restaurant and till area. The existing restaurant would also be enlarged, providing more tables and what the documents describe as a higher-quality culinary experience.

𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄

Perhaps the most unusual feature can be found within the proposed children’s play area.

The plans show two wooden Viking boats positioned within a landscaped area beside the restaurant terrace. According to the planning report, the boats have been used as props in productions including Vikings, The Northman and How to Train Your Dragon.

They would become interactive attractions, allowing children and film enthusiasts to get close to pieces connected with major screen productions, while parents could watch from the adjoining restaurant terrace.

The wider development would include new ornamental planting, specimen trees, raised planters, seating, paved areas, species-rich grassland and reinforced native planting around the site boundaries. The buildings would be given a much more unified appearance using painted render, timber features, hardwood windows and mock Tudor-style detailing.

Parking would also be extensively reorganised. The current informal arrangement provides space for approximately 60 vehicles, while the new layout proposes 147 standard spaces, six accessible bays and two dedicated van spaces.

𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐉𝐎𝐁𝐒

Representations supporting the application cite approximately £5 million of inward investment and the potential creation of around 80 jobs across several sectors. Supporters also believe the farm shop, café and restaurant could provide valuable opportunities for local food producers, artisans and suppliers.

Council planning officers have recommended that permission be granted, subject to a series of conditions.

An initial difficulty involving capacity within the public sewerage network was addressed by changing the proposed foul drainage arrangements from a mains connection to a septic tank system. NI Water subsequently confirmed that the application could be approved, although the required discharge consents and drainage conditions would still have to be satisfied.

The latest proposals could now see the old site reborn on a much larger and more imaginative scale, combining gardening, antiques, food, family recreation and a little touch of Hollywood.

It is important to stress that this is presently an officer recommendation. The final decision will rest with members of the Planning Committee.

Do you remember visiting Dickson’s in its heyday, and would this new destination encourage you to return?

START BANGOR’S FESTIVAL WEEKEND WITH A NIGHT OF ART
Before the music and festivities get into full swing, begin Bangor’s festival weekend with a relaxed evening exploring the city’s creative side.
Running from 6pm to 9pm, this month’s trail is led by three major stops at Boom Studios, The Courthouse and Seacourt Print Workshop, with even more art to discover around the city.

🌿 BOOM STUDIOS: ECO ART TAKEOVER

Across Boom Studios at 80 Main Street and Boom Studios 2 at 51 Main Street, the Boom Eco Team will present an evening of environmentally inspired creativity.

Visitors can explore the Eco Art Exhibition, browse artists’ stalls and original work for sale, and join relaxed drop-in workshops throughout the evening. It is a chance to meet local makers, try something creative and see how art can encourage fresh thinking about nature and sustainability.

📸 THE COURT HOUSE: ‘THE MAKERS’ BY RACHEL McCARTHY

At 16 Quay Street, The Court House will host the launch of The Makers, a new portrait exhibition by Bangor photographer and multidisciplinary artist Rachel McCarthy.

The exhibition celebrates the people who create, including artists, musicians, actors, writers and dancers from Bangor and further afield. Through her distinctive portraits, Rachel turns the focus onto the personalities and stories behind the creative work.

🖼️ SEACOURT PRINT WORKSHOP: NIGEL OXLEY EXHIBITION LAUNCH

At 75 Main Street, Seacourt Print Workshop will welcome visitors for the launch of a new exhibition by Nigel Oxley.

Seacourt has long played an important part in supporting printmaking and visual art in Bangor, making it an essential stop on the evening’s trail and a chance to experience original work within one of the city’s best-known creative spaces.

The trail continues at:

🌳 PARKLIFE, Ward Park
An exhibition by Olive Mulvenna in Bangor’s distinctive park gallery.

🎨 JENNY WATTS, 41 High Street
An Art Market featuring locally produced work available to browse and buy.

🗓️ Thursday 30 July
⏰ 6pm to 9pm
🎟️ Free

Start wherever you like, follow the crescent moon through Bangor and enjoy an evening of exhibitions, workshops, conversation and local creativity.

🛍️ 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 – 𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧! 🎉🎶
With Bangor Vibes taking over the city this weekend, now is the perfect time to give your shopfront a splash of colour and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the thousands of visitors expected to enjoy the celebrations.

🎈 Free festival bunting and posters are now available for local businesses to collect from the Visitor Information Centre in The Old Market House, Main Street.

Whether you run a café, restaurant, retailer, salon or office, a few simple decorations can make a real difference. Together, we can create a vibrant town centre that looks every bit as exciting as the fantastic programme of events taking place.

🏛️ The bunting and posters have been kindly provided by Ards and North Down Borough Council and are available while stocks last.

💙 Let’s all do our bit to showcase Bangor at its very best, support our local businesses, and give visitors a memorable welcome.

If you’re decorating your premises, we’d love to see it! Share a photo in the comments and let’s celebrate the fantastic community spirit that makes Bangor such a special place. 🌊✨

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦. 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗚, 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗.
You may have noticed three different names appearing in the publicity for this weekend. They are not competing festivals. They are three connected strands of one citywide celebration of music, culture and hospitality.

🌊 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗦
This is the umbrella name for the overall weekend programme on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. It brings together the 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships, Bangor Beats and Rhythms, Bangor Amplified and Sunday’s Queen Magic Experience in Ward Park.

🥁𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗛𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗠𝗦 (The Fleadh Fringe)
This is the main city-centre showcase, taking over Holborn Square on Saturday from 1pm until 9pm. Expect traditional and contemporary music, Irish dancing, interactive set dancing, food, refreshments and a grand Hoolie Hootenanny finale. Admission is free, although entry may be restricted if the site reaches capacity.

🎸 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗
Organised by Bangor Chamber of Commerce, this is the business and hospitality programme that spreads the festival atmosphere throughout the city from Friday 31 July until Sunday 2 August.

Music will pop up in pubs, cafés, shops and restaurants, alongside the Mill Row Street Party, Crosby Street Festival, family activities, face painting and performances from Pluckin’ About, The Irish Coalminers and visiting pipers.

𝗜𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀:
• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀
The overall festival bringing the weekend’s events together.
• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀
The main event taking place in Holborn Square.
• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱
Bringing live music and entertainment into Bangor’s streets, venues and businesses.

And there is even more: the 𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘀 will fill Ward Park from 11am on Saturday, while The 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 takes over the bandstand from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday.

🚌 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗦
Operating hours: 07:30–21:00
The free shuttle bus will serve both event locations, with collection and drop-off points at:

• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽
Castle Street, BT20 4TA
Ideal for the 73rd Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Ward Park.

• 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲
Outside the shopping centre on Bloomfield Road South, BT19 7PN.

• 𝗡𝗜𝗘 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
Balloo Road, BT19 7PG
Park and Ride

• 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸
Balloo Crescent, off Balloo Road, BT19 7WP
Park and Ride

• 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Abbey Street, BT20 4JA.

• 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱
Bingham Street
Ideal for Bangor Beats and Rhythms in Holborn Square.

Frequency: Approximately every 15 minutes.

Bangor’s big weekend effectively begins on Friday evening and continues right through until Sunday. Come for the music, stay for the food and atmosphere, and help make it a bumper weekend for our local businesses.

𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥

A remarkable visitor was spotted entering Belfast Lough this evening.
Photographed from Pickie Pier, the magnificent silhouette of the Galeón Andalucía could be clearly identified beyond the modern cargo vessel Arklow Archer. With her towering masts, elaborate rigging and unmistakable 17th-century profile, she looked like an apparition from the Age of Sail.

The ocean-going vessel is a historically accurate replica of the Spanish galleons that once connected Europe with America and Asia. Measuring approximately 180 feet in length, she has six decks and was constructed from iroko and pine. Her seven sails provide almost 10,800 square feet of sail area. She has crossed oceans and visited ports across four continents as a floating museum and ambassador for Andalusian maritime heritage.

The galleon is making her way towards Belfast, where members of the public will be able to board her, explore the decks and discover how sailors lived and worked aboard these remarkable ships.

🗓️ Wednesday 29 July to Sunday 9 August
📍 Queens Quay, Belfast
🕙 Open daily from 10am until 8pm

Advance booking is recommended, although tickets are also expected to be available at the vessel.

What a wonderful sight to see passing Bangor and entering Belfast Lough this evening.

📸 Photographed from Pickie Pier

𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄
The cameras are rolling, the experts are examining an intriguing collection of treasures, and the BBC Antiques Roadshow is now in full swing within the beautiful grounds of Bangor Castle.

Unfortunately, today’s filming is not open for general admission, as places had to be booked in advance. Perhaps, though, you were one of the lucky ticket holders who made it through the gates with an antique, heirloom or unusual collectable tucked safely under your arm.

Did your item attract the attention of one of the experts? Were you surprised by its history or valuation, or are you still patiently waiting to discover whether there may be a hidden treasure in the family?

BangorByTheSea would love to hear your story. Please share your experience in the comments and, where possible, include a photograph of the item you brought along for valuation.

We would be especially delighted to see objects with a connection to Bangor, whether linked to one of the city’s old homes, businesses, families, industries, schools or maritime heritage.

There may be some remarkable pieces of Bangor’s story being uncovered at the Castle today. 🏰🔍📺

🎻 TODAY IN WARD PARK: THE 19TH STREET BAND 🎻

Pack the picnic, grab the camping chairs and make your way to Ward Park this afternoon for another brilliant Picnic in the Park concert.

Taking to the bandstand at 3.00pm will be The 19th Street Band, a lively four-piece known for strong vocal harmonies, driving rhythms and an energetic blend of Americana, hillbilly and gypsy-rock. Their uplifting music has plenty of heart, spirit and foot-stomping fun.

🗓️ Today, Sunday 26 July
🕒 Starts at 3.00pm
📍 Ward Park Bandstand, Bangor
🎟️ Free event with no ticket required
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome

The forecast is dry at around 18°C, with a 17 mph north-westerly wind, so it may be worth bringing a light extra layer and making sure those picnic blankets are firmly anchored!

An accessible viewing area will also be available for anyone with additional requirements, with volunteers on hand to assist.

A great afternoon of live music in one of Bangor’s loveliest settings awaits.

𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄

Long before the cameras begin rolling and the familiar faces of the Antiques Roadshow appear on screen, an enormous amount of work goes into transforming a location into a television set.

Bangor Castle was a hive of activity today as production vehicles arrived and crews began preparing the grounds for tomorrow’s filming. Marquees have been erected, specialist equipment unloaded, working areas created and barriers positioned, while access, power supplies, security, catering, parking and the movement of hundreds of visitors all have to be carefully considered.

Every tent, table and camera position must be planned so that experts can examine treasured objects, contributors can tell their stories and the production team can capture everything safely and smoothly, while also making the very best use of Bangor Castle’s beautiful historic setting.

And even when the final visitor has gone home, the work will be far from finished. The many hours of material recorded tomorrow will then need to be reviewed, researched and carefully edited. Sound will be balanced, pictures refined, graphics added and the individual valuations and stories shaped into the polished programme eventually seen by millions of viewers.

What appears effortless on television is the result of a huge team working both in front of and behind the cameras.

🗓️ BangorByTheSea wishes the presenters, experts, production crews, volunteers and everyone attending a wonderful and successful day at Bangor Castle tomorrow.

Perhaps one of the objects brought along will turn out to be a very special piece of Bangor history. 🏰🔍📺