Support Local


 

Support local across the borough this Christmas. 

Our villages and towns are brimming with everything you need to make the holiday period extra special this year. Offering everything from unique shops for special gifts, boutiques, and the finest food and drink. Let's continue to support our high streets in Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood and Newtownards. Whether it is shopping safely in store or supporting our local retailers online, join us to celebrate and support local  Ards and North Down this festive season. 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS
In addition to Bangor and Newtownards weekly markets, a series of Christmas markets offer you the opportunity to pick up fresh local produce, artisan food and drink, gifts and unique crafts. 

Enjoy that festive feeling while picking up those special local treats this  Christmas. 
Join us and shop local this Christmas. 

Saturday 21 November, 10am - 4pm
Donaghadee: Rear of the Market House, New Street 
Find out more DONAGHADEE 

Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November, 10am-4pm
Find out more NEWTOWNARDS
Newtownards: Conway Square
Note: Friday 27 November market cancelled in line with restrictions announced by NI Executive on Thursday 19 November 2020.

Note: Weekly markets in Newtownards and Bangor will continue on their regular market days, Saturdays and Wednesdays respectively. NI Executive Regulations state that essential retail business may be operated from a market stall, and may continue to trade as such.

Thursday 3 December, 9am - 1pm 
Comber Farmers' Market: St Mary’s Parish Church Car Park, The Square
Find out more COMBER

Saturday 12th December, 12noon - 4pm 
Bangor - Market Fresh - Project 24, Queens Parade Bangor  
*Little Market Fresh - A market with approx. 12 traders will also be running Saturdays 28 November, 5 December and 19 December 2020.
Find out more MARKET FRESH

Thursday 17 December, 4pm - 8pm
Comber Twilight Farmers' Market: St Mary’s Parish Church Car Park, The Square
Find out more COMBER

Saturday 19 December, 12noon - 6pm and Sunday 20 December 12noon - 4pm 
Bangor: McKee Clock Arena
Find out more BANGOR
Note: Rescheduled from original dates Friday 4, 12noon - 4pm and Saturday 5 December, 12noon - 6pm 

Outdoor Christmas Markets organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association, Ards Chamber of Commerce, Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Comber Farmer's Market, Market Fresh and Ards and North Down Borough Council. 

Markets will operate subject to restrictions/in line with guidance from NI Executive. Measures will be in place for social distancing and hygiene.

Please be responsible and follow public health guidance and help stop the spread of coronavirus:

1.Wash your hands well and often
2.Keep your distance
3.Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces or when social distancing is difficult to maintain
4.Download StopCOVID NI
For more information go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus
Northern Ireland Executive

Information subject to change, correct at time of publication, 13th November 2020. 

Support local, eat local and shop safe - For latest Public Health Agency information visit www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus

Stay Local, Eat Local, AND Shop Safe in our local towns

Bangor

Bangor is a seaside resort on Belfast’s doorstep. It has previously been named the most desirable place to live in Northern Ireland and is easily accessed by train and car.

Bangor is brimming with places to explore; Bangor castle, the Abbey, North Down Museum, Pickie Funpark and a picturesque marina, to name a few. As well as activities, such as karting, sailing and golfing, for those who like the great outdoors.

Follow Bangor's Chamber of Commerce and Main Street My Street on Facebook to stay up to date with what's going on with local businesses and retailers in the town.

Find out more about beautiful Bangor By The Sea  on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Comber

Comber is renowned for great coffee, cycling, craft and fine cuisine. The home of great taste, it is famous for its Comber Earlies as well as some fascinating history, including links to the RMS Titanic.

Comber is a market town with many family run businesses. The town holds an award winning Farmers Market on the first Thursday of every month. The market has built up a strong reputation for selling fresh, seasonal, award winning food and plant products. With 26 artisan food stalls regularly taking part, you will certainly want to visit.

Find out more about what's happening in and around Comber on Facebook - visit the LoveLocalComber page.

Locals and visitors can visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at Castle Espie, just three miles south of Comber. This award winning wetland allows visitors to get close to the wild birds while taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Find out more about Comber on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Donaghadee

Donaghadee is located at Northern Ireland's closest point to Scotland and on most days the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye. This little town is a beautiful hub with many shops, restaurants and is reputedly home to the oldest pub in Ireland.

Donaghadee’s iconic lighthouse stands guard on the harbour keeping ships right in times of trouble with its beam and fog horn. Donaghadee was the province’s principal port before Belfast became the major city in the mid 19th Century.

The town has fantastic community spirit and both visitors and locals will receive a warm welcome.  Find out more about what's happening in and around Donaghadee on Facebook - visit the Community Development Association page.

Find out more about Donaghadee on our website visitardsandnorthdown.com

Holywood

Holywood is famous for its maypole in the centre of town. Its origin is uncertain, but according to local folklore, it dates from the 1700s - the maypole is still used for dancing at the annual May Day fair.

Holywood is a great place to eat out and shop, with lots of independent businesses to support. Follow the Holywood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to keep up to date with news from local businesses and retailers.

For those who love history, on the outskirts of the town you can step back in time and uncover a past way of life at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is set to re-open in August 2020 (check website for details).

Find out more about Holywood on our website at visitardsandnorthdown.com

Newtownards

Newtownards, locally known as ‘Ards’, is a large town that lies at the most northern tip of Strangford Lough. The town was established in 1606, later becoming a market town, with the Market House in Conway Square constructed in 1770. The Ards Market still operates today on a weekly basis.

The town of Newtownards is overlooked by Scrabo Tower, which is one of the dominant features of the area. The tower is 41 metres high, and was built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry.

Newtownards continues to be a thriving market town, with lots of independent businesses, retailers and restaurants: all great places to spend time with friends and family. 

The town has an active Chamber of Trade and you can  keep up to date with local businesses by following ShopNewtownards.com on Facebook.

Find out more about Newtownards on our website at visitardsandnorthdown.com

Resident