Celebrating our Ulster Scots Heritage – Friday 15th – Sunday 17th August
Donaghadee Gears Up for Third Annual Ulster Scots Festival – Hert and Hame – A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Food.
Donaghadee is preparing to welcome visitors from near and far as it hosts its third annual Ulster Scots Festival, taking place from 15–17 August in the heart of the town.
The festival will be centred in a tented village on the former Translink site, adjacent to Donaghadee Community Centre, which has been kindly made available by Urban Property Solutions Limited. Entry to the festival is free, making it accessible to everyone who wishes to experience the rich heritage of Ulster Scots culture in a vibrant and welcoming setting.
Denis Waterworth, Chair of the organising committee, expressed his excitement for this year’s event, stating, “The festival grows each year, and this year we have something for everyone. We have placed a strong emphasis on history and culture with talks, an exhibition, games, and crafts together with music and dance. We are very grateful to Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Ulster Scots Agency for their support. Without this, the festival simply would not take place.”
Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of activities that bring the Ulster Scots story to life, with local historians and enthusiasts delivering talks on the traditions and history of the community. An engaging exhibition will showcase artefacts and stories from Ulster Scots heritage, while games and craft workshops will give families and children the chance to participate in hands-on activities throughout the weekend.
Music and dance are central to the festival atmosphere, with local musicians, pipe bands, and dancers performing throughout the three days, ensuring a lively soundtrack as visitors explore the site.
Food, a key element of Ulster Scots culture, will once again take centre stage at the festival with a dedicated food fair. Local producers will offer a wide range of products, from freshly baked breads to artisanal preserves and cheeses, providing an opportunity for visitors to discover and support local businesses. Adding to the culinary excitement, celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will demonstrate how to use these local ingredients in some of her favourite recipes, inspiring visitors to bring the taste of Ulster Scots cuisine into their own kitchens.
The highlight of the weekend is set to be the Ulster Fry World Championships, where contestants from across Ulster will compete for the prestigious title, showcasing their skills in creating the perfect traditional Ulster fry – a much-loved dish that continues to bring people together.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, is looking forward to the Festival and said: “This Festival is a highlight of the local calendar offering a wide range of events to suit lots of interests and ages. My thanks go to everyone involved in making it happen; particularly the organising committee who dedicate so much time and energy to the planning throughout the year. As Mayor I have the pleasure of helping with the UlsterFry Competition, which is fiercely contended and has really captured the interest of the public and the media. We look forward to finding out which talented chef will be crowned our 2025 winner.”
Full details of the programme are available in the printed programme and online at www.visitdonaghadee.com, ensuring everyone can plan their visit to make the most of what promises to be a memorable weekend of culture, community, and celebration in Donaghadee.
