Area: Ards North Down

The Category Ards and North Down is a subset of South East of Northern Ireland.

‘A jam packed programme of the some of the world’s most talented guitarists! ... This annual event remains fresh and vibrant with sell out performances every year.’ Held Early April.

'Set in the beautiful seaside town of Bangor, just 15 miles from Belfast, with easy access by sea and low cost air travel, this highly successful Festival offers classes in Youth, Mixed, Ladies and Male Voice Choirs, Ladies and Mens' Barbershop, plus Madrigal, Sacred and Light Entertainment Sections, all of which offer substantial monetary prizes, with the Open Choral Competition offering a top prize of £1000!' Held Early April.

Founded 1948: ‘A competitive festival for amateurs of all ages. There are classes for Piano, Vocal, Instrumental, Irish Traditional, Choral and Music Theatre ... Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council’. Held Mid November.

'In 2005 the local Council of the borough of North Down conferred the status of Borough Ambassador on Bangor Ladies Choir. This is the first conferment ever to an external Organisation outside of the Council Membership and the Choir were privileged and proud to accept this unique position. As Ambassadors the Choir represent the Borough of North Down on all of their travels, and, whether it be Province wide or worldwide, they carry out their duties with pride.'

'We are men in Northern Ireland, from all walks of life, living reasonably close to the seaside town of Donaghadee on the North East corner of County Down, meeting every Monday evening for practice and enjoying concerts, church services, performances for charity events in locations one may not expect to see or hear a male voice choir. Competitions have been attended with many successes over the years but our greatest achevements have been the continued charity work and the enjoyment of choral singing with friends from all corners of the world.'

‘An SSAA choir based in Comber. It was formed in September 2012 by Edwin Gray and former pupils of Strathearn School, Belfast, but a warm welcome is extended to all female singers aged 18-35. The Choir aims to perform a wide variety of music to a high standard; their repertoire is extensive and includes pieces from many musical periods and styles – including sacred, folk, jazz and spirituals. The choir performs at venues both in Ireland and further afield ... The Miskelly Chorale has also, since its inception, enjoyed considerable success at Festivals.’

‘Having started life as the Peninsula Youth Choir in 2010, the Choir has evolved into an adult women’s choir, and we are now a group of some 30 women from all over the Ards Peninsula who are brought together by a love of singing ... We sing a wide variety of music, encompassing folk songs, old pop favourites, spirituals, madrigals, rounds, etc, and exploring songs from the 16th to the 21st century. Our members have a wide range of musical abilities, from those who are really good at sight-reading to those who cannot read music at all, with every shade in between. And although most of our songs are from sheet music, much of it is learned by heart. We believe in enjoyment in everything we do. Singing together brings this quality with it – whatever the hard work, it is uplifting and fun.’

'A multi-purpose venue for everyone to use. It will host cultural, educational and heritage events and activities to include film shows, concerts, exhibitions, literary events, talks and much more ... The ethos of the organ restoration was to encourage the general public to explore and play the instrument. In addition, much of its inner workings have been encased with glass - uniquely allowing a fascinating appreciation of the workings of the instrument.'