Creative Peninsula’s popular Twilight Market and Arts Night is set to bring creativity and entertainment to Newtownards on Friday 7 August. Taking place from 3pm to 8pm, the event will transform Conway Square and Ards Arts Centre into a vibrant hub of arts, crafts, music and family-friendly activities.
A bustling pop-up market in Conway Square will feature 25 local artists and makers, offering everything from ceramics and textiles to jewellery, prints and mixed-media creations. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse, meet makers and purchase unique handcrafted pieces. Families can also enjoy a free drop-in arts and crafts area for children, hosted by Boom Studios.
Inside Ards Arts Centre, visitors can try a range of creative activities and discover different artistic techniques through hands-on experiences. Professional artists will be on hand to share their skills through live demonstrations, with opportunities to explore painting, drawing and printmaking.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, live performances from Rare Aul Stuff and Jordan Lively will help create a lively festival atmosphere. A selection of local food producers will be serving refreshments, while McBride’s of Comber will offer craft beers and beverages for visitors to enjoy.
Speaking about the event, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said:
“Creative Peninsula has become one of the Borough’s most popular celebrations of local creativity, showcasing the exceptional talent of our artists, and makers. The Twilight Market and Arts Night brings together talented artists, makers, musicians and performers for an afternoon and evening of creativity, entertainment and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a unique handcrafted purchase or simply a great day out, I encourage everyone to come along and experience what Creative Peninsula has to offer.”
Now in its 25th year, Creative Peninsula continues throughout August, offering an exciting mix of free and ticketed events that let people of all ages explore and engage with local art and craft.
Other Programme Highlights Include:
- Heritage Craft Afternoon at North Down Museum
Be inspired as makers demonstrate traditional skills like Aran knitting, natural dying, greenwood work and block printing.
Sunday 2 August, 1 – 4pm (Free admission)
- Musical Instruments Meet the Maker
To celebrate the arrival of the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, we invite you to meet the makers of local beautifully hand-crafted musical instruments.
Ards Arts Centre, Wednesday 5 August, 7.30pm (Tickets £5, pre-booking required)
- Open Studios Weekend
Meet artists in their creative spaces and take part in special workshops.
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August – full details online.
Explore the full Creative Peninsula 2026 programme at: https://creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk/
