A Shakespeare performance in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle is one of two events being held to open the village’s summer festival.
On Saturday, August 15, at 7pm, Off the Ground Theatre will stage ‘Twelfth Night’ with the castle as its backdrop, while the venue will also host a family activity day and artisan market on Sunday, August 16, from noon to 4pm.
The ‘Twelfth Night’ performance, described as an energetic and family-friendly production with laughter, music and a magical summer atmosphere.
Highlights of Sunday’s activity day include children’s entertainment, with a professionally staffed bouncy castle/slide for under 12s and facepainting throughout the afternoon; music performances by award-winning Scottish folk band, Reely Jiggered, local singer/songwriter Deborah Fitzsimons, and blues singer and guitarist Mark Braidner.
The artisan market will comprise 20 stalls featuring local crafts, produce, and handmade goods.
All events are free to attend, with voluntary donations welcomed in support of Off the Ground Theatre Company and the Killyleagh Community Association.
In addition to the castle-based festivities, the Killyleagh Summer Festival features a week-long series of free music and arts events hosted in venues throughout the town.
On Friday, August 14, at 8pm, The Booze Bros party band will perform in the International Bar, while Not Safe with a Razor will provide live music at 5pm on Tuesday, August 18 in the Dufferin Arms.
There will be more music, this time classic rock and blues from The Speed Kings, in Killyleagh Football Club on Sunday, August 23, at 2pm.
A vinyl night ‘with Brian and
Robert’, at the Hans Sloane
Centre on Thursday, August 20, from 7pm to 9pm, provides the opportunity to bring along your favourite LPs and singles, and share the stories behind them.
These events form part of the wider Killyleagh Music Trail, celebrating the creativity and diversity of the village’s community spaces.
On Wednesday, August 19, at 2pm in Killyleagh Patricia Weir will hold a storytelling session about Finn McCool, for children aged seven to 11, and young adults.
The Killyleagh Summer Festival is organised by local volunteers and supported by community partners across the town. The committee extends a warm invitation to residents, families, and visitors to join in celebrating local talent, shared spaces, and the spirit of summer.
For updates, follow the Killyleagh Community Association on social media or check local noticeboards.
