Set sail for family fun at Ards Puppet Festival this weekend
Come along to Ards Puppet Festival in Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 October for two days of puppet-packed family fun.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s sea-themed festival invites families on an adventure beneath the waves, with a programme inspired by pirates, puffins, mermaids, beachcombers and underwater storytelling.
Visitors can enjoy an exciting programme of professional puppet theatre from some of the finest companies working in children’s theatre today.
Highlights include Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s swashbuckling adventure Three Little Pirate Pigs, Banyan Puppet Theatre and Zoe Ramsey’s magical production The Fisherman and the Mermaid, and Puffling Productions’ heartwarming tale of friendship, Puffling Percy. Families can also dive into HandMade Theatre’s Sealife Sessions, a playful interactive experience inspired by the wonders of the ocean.
As part of the festival programme, audiences can also enjoy Puffling Percy at Portico, Portaferry on Wednesday 28 October, following the adventures of a lovable young puffin in a charming tale celebrating friendship, courage and the natural world.
Alongside the performances, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of free activities throughout the weekend, including puppet-making workshops, immersive miniature theatre experiences from Strangeface Theatre, animated film screenings, interactive performances and beach-themed storytelling.
A highlight of the weekend will be the colourful Giant Puppet Parade in Conway Square on Sunday 25 October at 4pm. Presented by Beat Carnival as part of the Rural Arts Engagement Programme, the parade will showcase giant puppets created by Millisle Youth Forum, Cloughey and District Community Association, Portaferry Recreation Hub, Ballywalter Senior's Group and PHL Hen's Sheds, accompanied by Beat Samba Band. Supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the project celebrates creativity, community connections and carnival arts.
Speaking about the festival, community arts officer Amy McKelvey said: “Ards Puppet Festival is all about creating magical experiences that families can enjoy together. This year we're taking audiences on a seaside adventure filled with imagination, storytelling and surprises around every corner.
“Whether you're meeting a mischievous pirate, a friendly penguin or a magical mermaid, there's plenty to discover. We hope families will make a day of it, enjoy the performances and activities, and create happy memories together.”
Rebecca Boyd, programme director at Beat Carnival, added: “Over the past few months, community groups from across the Ards Peninsula have come together to create their own large-scale puppets.
“It's been wonderful to see people try something new, share ideas and work creatively together. We're looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the Giant Puppet Parade during Ards Puppet Festival.”
With a mix of bookable shows and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two days of fun for the whole family.
The festival takes place from 25 - 26 October, 11am - 4pm, in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.
To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on
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