Love Parks AND Love Outdoors 2026
In 2026, we're celebrating Love Parks Week with our 'Love Parks AND Love Outdoors' campaign, a summer‑long programme of activities across Ards and North Down.
This new combined campaign highlights everything our parks, play parks, green and open spaces and coastlines offer — from getting active outdoors to enjoying family time, discovering nature and taking part in community events. These vibrant places support wellbeing, bring people together and give everyone space to play, explore and relax.
Throughout July and August we'll be running activities for all ages, including pop‑up play events, gymnastics at our MUGAs, creative workshops, wildlife discovery sessions and hands‑on volunteering.
Join us for our big Love Parks AND Love Outdoors Celebration Day on 15 August from 11am - 4pm in Bangor Castle Park and Walled Garden. A day of free outdoor family fun for all ages with cycling, nature activities, outdoor games and play. Bring a picnic, and your bike!
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Download the programme here Love Parks Celebration Day 2026 Programme (PDF, 170 KB) (opens new window) or see the information in the table below to plan your day!
| Explore, Play AND Picnic - Programme - Saturday 15 August | 11am-4pm | Bangor Castle and Walled Garden | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Activity | Location |
| All day activities: 11am - 4pm | Nature crafts | Formal front lawn at City Hall |
| Labyrinth Collective | West Lawn at City Hall | |
| Bangor Horticultural Society Plant Sale | Bangor Castle Walled Garden | |
| Sports Day drop in games | Front of City Hall | |
| Trees & Wildflowers with The Conservation Volunteers | Castle Park | |
| Timed Sessions | Sensory Yoga with Rise & Shine Wellbeing | Bangor Castle Walled Garden- Willow area |
| 11.10am - 11.50am | ||
| 12.00noon - 12.40pm | ||
| 12.50pm - 1.30pm | ||
| 1.40pm - 2.20pm | ||
| 2.40pm - 3.20pm | ||
| 3.20pm - 4pm | ||
| 11am - 3pm | Nature Play with Clandeboye Nature Rangers | Museum Car Park |
| 11am - 1pm | Bug Hunt with Buglife | Rewilding area Castle Park & Bangor Castle Walled Garden |
| 12 - 1pm | Tree Tour of Castle Park | Meet at City Hall entrance |
| 1pm - 4pm | Nature Art Workshop | Outdoor Classroom in Castle Park |
| 1.15pm - 3.15pm | Park Pedal - group cycle off road | Register at Ards and North Down Cycle Campaign gazebo in the City Hall forecourt |
| 1.30pm - 2.30pm | Castle Park Nature Volunteers | Meet at Rewilding area Castle Park |
| 3.30pm - 4.00pm | Kids Tree Tour | Meet at City Hall entrance |
| Visitor information stand at City Hall entrance for more information on locations Meet some of our local partners in City Hall Car Park Please bring your own picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle Park and Walled Garden. | ||
For queries email ANDParks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
A full list of other upcoming parks events and activities can be found at: Parks Activities and Events
