Bangor by the Sea, Bangor, Bangor (2026)

23/10/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗥𝗦! 𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚!
Bangor’s new city plaza is preparing to welcome its first visitors, and there could hardly be a better time for our local voices to help bring the city to life.

On Saturday 28 November, "𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦" will fill the city centre with music. Choirs from across Ards and North Down are being invited to take part.

Whether you sing in a school, church, community or workplace choir, or simply enjoy singing with friends, this is your call to step forward. All ages and abilities are welcome to apply.

There is wonderful talent rehearsing every week in our classrooms, churches and community halls. Here is an opportunity to share it with the city, catch the ear of a passing shopper and give people a reason to stop and enjoy being in Bangor.

As our new public spaces open up, it is the people who use them who will give them their warmth, character and soul.
Our singers have a part to play in that.

𝗣𝗨𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗

Performances will take place between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 28 November. Participating groups must be available during that period, with individual performance times and locations confirmed beforehand.

Email [email protected] by 𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, including your contact details, a brief description of your choir and the number of members.

The Council will select choirs from the applications received.

Tag your choir, share this with your musical director and get the conversation started at your next rehearsal.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿!

For further info, terms and conditions, follow the link in the comments below:

23/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚

Bangor’s new Marine Gardens plaza is approaching a major milestone, with handover to Ards and North Down Borough Council provisionally scheduled for Friday 30 October.

The handover will allow preparations for the Christmas celebrations and the plaza’s planned first public opening on Saturday 21 November, bringing people into a waterfront space they have watched take shape behind the construction fences.

A report prepared for next Wednesday’s Council meeting says work has been progressing well. The Council’s technical team considers the handover date achievable, with final checks under way to ensure the works meet the agreed specifications and the necessary certificates and warranties are in place. Formal handover remains subject to those checks and completion of the legal arrangements.

Beyond the plaza, the eastern gardens are also taking shape. The new Sunken Gardens, flanked by public lawns and amenities, will bring places to sit, picnic and spend a little longer beside the water. The accompanying plan includes picnic and chess tables, drinking fountains and landscaped areas connected to the promenade. This Plaza section forms part of Phase 1A, with the western section identified separately as Phase 1B.

The photographs reveal another welcome change and a fresh perspective on the McKee Clock. As the plaza opens up around it, the familiar landmark has room to breathe, its stonework standing proudly against the sky and the surrounding greenery.

The row of trees draws the eye towards the elevated Victorian terrace beyond, bringing that handsome historic backdrop into the wider view. New planting, ornamental grasses and carefully defined garden beds are beginning to soften the space as the finishing work continues.

The Christmas event on Saturday 21st November is advertised for noon to 6.30pm, with the lights switched on at 6pm, which will be a grand and festive first welcome to a new gathering place at the heart of Bangor’s waterfront.

22/10/2026

𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 📚
With its windows glowing against the evening sky, Bangor Carnegie Library looks wonderfully inviting in this photograph, taken this evening.

It’s also a reminder of the wonderful resource sitting right here on Hamilton Road. Somewhere to find a good book, explore an interest, meet people or enjoy a little time away from the everyday rush.

With just two days left of Bangor’s Book Week programme, this might be the wee nudge you need to drop in and discover what’s on offer.

𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟰 𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥
• 10.30am - Pockets of Joy
Try your hand at poetry with award-winning writer Stephanie Conn. No previous experience needed.

• 1.30pm - Meet Siobhán Murphy
Hear from the local author of The Hedgefall Chronicles about writing, getting published and the experiences behind her work.

• 2pm - Stories and Shadows
Children aged 7–11 can explore Greek myths and make shadow puppets with Dr Steph Holton.

All three events are free, with booking essential. Call 028 9127 0591 to check availability and reserve a place.

And the welcome doesn’t end with Book Week. Books, reading groups, children’s activities, newspapers, computers and opportunities to learn and meet others make the library a valuable part of Bangor life all year round.

If you’ve walked past a hundred times without going in, perhaps this is the weekend to open the door.

22/10/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟭𝟭𝟬-𝗕𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗬𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞

A proposal to create a residential and nursing home for around 110 residents at Clandeboye Business Park is being brought forward, with a public consultation planned for next month.

The scheme would involve the conversion and redevelopment of existing business premises behind Clandeboye Retail Park, off West Circular Road. The site covers approximately two acres and includes the L-shaped business park building and its access route. The main retail terrace and large customer car park lie outside the proposed redevelopment boundary.

Documents submitted to Ards and North Down Borough Council describe a care facility with approximately 5,500 square metres of floorspace, alongside parking, landscaping and associated works.

The applicant is Y3 BNR Limited, a Holywood-based company whose director is Gilbert Yates, founder of Healthcare Ireland. TSA Planning is acting as planning agent. The submitted notice does not disclose the intended operator of the proposed home.

A public drop-in event is planned for Wednesday 4 November, from 3pm to 7pm, at Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex. Residents and businesses will be able to view display boards, speak to members of the consultation team and provide feedback.

A dedicated consultation website is also scheduled to go live that day, with comments accepted until 5pm on Friday 4 December. Leaflets publicising the consultation are due to be delivered to homes and businesses within 200 metres of the centre of the site during the week beginning 26 October.

The Council accepted the proposed consultation arrangements on 21 October, after receiving a Pre-Application Notice on 14th of September. That acceptance relates only to the consultation process and does not grant planning permission for the redevelopment.

The forthcoming consultation will allow the community to review the plans and ask questions of the development team before a formal planning application is submitted.

21/10/2026

𝗔 𝗪𝗘𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬

There's a lovely little cottage for sale on Hamilton Road, but behind its charming red-brick frontage lies a rather special piece of Bangor's history.

Teal Cottage, at number 84, was once part of Bangor's original Cottage Hospital, which occupied three adjoining properties on Hamilton Road.

The hospital was established in 1869 by Harriet Ward, wife of Robert Edward Ward, at a time when Bangor was still a growing seaside town.

It was a wonderfully modest little establishment. By 1885, it had just six beds, and patients paid five shillings a week for their care.

It's rather touching to think of the countless small acts of kindness that must have taken place within those walls, with local people being nursed back to health in what would have felt more like a home than a hospital.

In 1910, the hospital moved to its new premises on Castle Street, and two years later the old building was converted into three separate cottages.

More than a century later, they're still there, with their handsome red brickwork, slate roofs and distinctive chimney pots. The buildings were officially listed in 1986, recognising their architectural and historical importance.

And now one of those cottages is looking for a new owner.

It's a lovely thought that a building which began life caring for the people of Bangor has spent the last 114 years providing something just as important: a place to call home.

Next time you're passing along Hamilton Road, give those three little cottages a second glance. There's an awful lot of Bangor history tucked behind those front doors.

19/10/2026

🕷️ 𝐇𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋
𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍👻
🎃Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November
⏰ 10-4pm daily | Last entry is 3:30pm🎃

It’s that time of year again, when Bangor Castle’s beautiful Walled Garden transforms into something spooktacular! 👀✨

👣 Join the Haunted Harvest Trail for a fun-filled family adventure.
Wander through the spooky tunnels, snap a selfie to remember the day, and don’t forget to collect your sweet treat at the end! 🍬📸

🧙‍♀️ FANCY DRESS is highly encouraged, so bring your little witches, wizards, ghosts and goblins for a frightfully good time!
🕷️ No booking required
🎃 Suitable for all ages (parental supervision required)
🚗 Free parking
🦽 Wheelchair & pram accessible

🧡 A magical autumn day out in Bangor’s Walled Garden.

📸 Photos taken by BangorByTheSea at last year's event

18/10/2026

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬. 𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗜𝗧.
More than 8,000 people came to Bangor’s Fleadh fringe celebration this summer, spending an estimated £327,200. It brought music, energy, and people into the city, giving local businesses a welcome boost.

Now councillors are looking at bringing it back in 2027. Surely this is an opportunity Bangor should grab with both hands.

With the new Marine Gardens and its dedicated events space expected to be complete by next summer, we will have a waterfront built for occasions like this. Live music beside the sea, dancing, family entertainment and a festival atmosphere stretching through the city. This is exactly what those years of investment and hard work should lead to.

The audience is there. This summer proved it. Next year, we can give people even more reason to come, stay longer and return.

With Belfast’s Fleadh returning from 1–8 August 2027, the opportunity is right on our doorstep. Bangor’s event still needs agreement and funding, but the case for making it happen is compelling.

We have spent years talking about bringing life back to Bangor. Here is a proven way to do it, with a new waterfront ready to play its part.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

17/10/2026

𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘
Imagine a windy day when, instead of turning wind turbines down, the electricity they produce helps charge the boats on Belfast Lough.

That is one of the exciting possibilities behind a newly announced £15 million project at Belfast Harbour, and Bangor already has a hands-on connection to the vessels helping drive this change.

Led by Artemis Technologies, the project will bring electric boats, high-powered charging and smarter energy management together in a working port, testing ideas that could change how clean transport is powered.

𝗦𝗢, 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞?

The electricity grid has to keep what is being generated balanced with what is being used. On windy days, wind farms can produce more electricity than the system can safely accommodate. Operators then have to turn some of their wind turbines off, leaving clean energy untapped.

The clever part is making demand respond to the wind conditions.

When renewable power is plentiful, the system could signal: now is the time to charge the boats and run harbour activities that can be moved to a different time. When the wind drops, flexible charging and other non-urgent demands can ease back.

The boats’ batteries are useful for storing that extra energy, ready to power journeys later. The ambition is to waste less wind power, keep more renewable generation working and help bring energy costs down.

𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬

BangorByTheSea has followed Artemis vessels using the marina’s boatyard for continuing fitting-out work, with testing taking place on Belfast Lough. These are essential steps in turning pioneering designs into dependable working boats.

The new £15 million programme centres on Belfast Harbour, but Bangor’s marina facilities are already contributing to Artemis's wider story.

The boats drawing attention on our lough could also help solve a problem on land by making better use of the clean electricity we can already generate.

16/10/2026

𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡: 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗨𝗦?

The Save Bangor campaign mounted a massive publicity effort: social media, a dedicated website, television, radio and newspaper coverage, posters and an extensive door-to-door leaflet drop around Bangor.

Its message had considerable exposure. Yet the petition’s own postcode breakdown puts the response into perspective.

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗫𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗬 𝟳.𝟰% (of adult population)
3,876 signatories from BT19 and BT20, about 7.4% of the estimated adult population across Bangor.

𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗫𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗬 𝟯.𝟰% (of adult population)
Across BT18 to BT23 inclusive, 4,461 people signed, which is about 3.4% of the borough’s adult population.

𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝟵𝟯% 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Those figures do not substantiate claims that the campaign represents the voice of local people.

The campaign’s name matters too. “Save Marine Gardens” may have encouraged people to sign in the belief that the existing Marine Gardens were under threat, which was never the case.

Meanwhile, the wider development is delivering gardens, trees, shrubs, lawns, artwork, pavilions, a bandstand, picnic and games tables, and a proposed accessible playpark. These are substantial improvements to a waterfront that has waited far too long for investment.

BangorByTheSea supports the overall development because we want people to be able to get there, spend time there and enjoy it. That includes older people, people with disabilities and families for whom nearby parking can make the difference between visiting and staying at home.

A well-publicised petition gives its signatories a voice. It does not give a campaign ownership of Bangor’s future.

Our position is clear: support the investment, make the waterfront accessible and allow this development to bring lasting benefits to Bangor.

Figures compare submissions with 2021 Census populations and assume one submission per adult resident. The 7.4% statistic assumes adults comprise around 80% of the population.

15/10/2026

A CHANGING WATERFRONT. A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

“I can’t wait to come back in a few years and see how far you have progressed.”

That was the reaction of New York business leader Elizabeth Crowley after visiting Bangor’s waterfront with a delegation of more than 20 American business leaders, government representatives and politicians.

The visit offered an opportunity to show potential investors what is taking shape at Marine Gardens and the scope for further growth across the city. It also opened conversations and connections that could help attract future investment.

This video from Bangor Marine captures an encouraging visit, with Bangor’s ambitions reaching an audience well beyond these shores.

Bangor by the Sea

23/10/2026

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