Bangor by the Sea, Bangor, Bangor (2026)

01/06/2026

𝐅𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑! 🍕✈️

High Street's food scene is about to get another major boost with the arrival of Fly Boy Pizza & Wings, which is set to open its doors on Monday 8th June beside the Mauds/Plaza arcade on High Street. 🍕🔥

For anyone who has been wondering what was going into the eye-catching turquoise frontage beside Sneakz and Mauds, the wait is almost over.

Fly Boy has already built up a strong following across Northern Ireland with locations in Armagh, Newry, Coleraine and beyond, serving up handcrafted pizzas, loaded wings, chicken tenders, fries, sides and desserts. The company describes itself as "The Best Pizza & Wings" and has been expanding rapidly across the province in recent years.

The Bangor outlet will bring a completely new look to this stretch of High Street, with a colourful makeover that is already turning heads and adding even more vibrancy to the city centre streetscape.

Whether you're a fan of classic pepperoni, BBQ-loaded creations, crispy wings or indulgent meal deals, Fly Boy's menu promises plenty of choice for takeaway lovers and late-night food fans alike.

With new businesses continuing to choose Bangor city centre, it's another welcome sign of confidence in the town and further evidence that High Street's food and hospitality offering continues to diversify and grow.

📍 Fly Boy Pizza & Wings
📍 High Street, Bangor
🗓️ Opening Monday 8th June

Will you be giving it a try? 👇🍕🔥

01/06/2026

𝐁𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐒, 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘: 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐔𝐒𝐄 & 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊

While many of us are accustomed to replacing items when they break, a growing movement across Northern Ireland is encouraging people to think differently. Reuse and Repair Week 2026, running from 30 May to 6 June, is shining a spotlight on the simple idea that repairing, reusing and extending the life of everyday items can save money, reduce waste and benefit the environment.

As part of the initiative, Ards and North Down Borough Council hosted a Bike Health Check & Repair event, bringing together local residents, cycling enthusiasts and community partners in Bangor. The event offered free bike inspections, minor repairs and practical advice from local cycling specialist Jon The Pedaler, helping cyclists keep their bikes roadworthy and safe.

Supporting the event was the Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), which provided free bicycle security marking. Bikes were registered with unique identification numbers linked to the UK’s national police-approved cycle database, helping to deter theft and improve the chances of recovering stolen bicycles.

The event formed part of Northern Ireland’s first-ever Reuse and Repair Week, organised by the Northern Ireland Resources Network and funded through DAERA’s Carrier Bag Levy programme. The week-long campaign aims to make repairing and reusing items a normal part of everyday life rather than a last resort.

Beyond bicycles, the initiative highlights a wide range of community activities taking place across Northern Ireland, from repairing household goods and upcycling furniture to redistributing surplus food and sharing practical skills. The common goal is to reduce waste, conserve resources and promote a more sustainable way of living.

For Bangor, the event was another example of how local organisations, businesses and volunteers can work together to encourage positive community action. It also served as a reminder that some of the most effective environmental solutions are often the simplest: repairing what we already have, sharing knowledge and making better use of existing resources.

With cycling becoming increasingly popular across the Borough, events such as these not only help keep bikes on the road but also support healthier lifestyles, sustainable travel and a stronger sense of community.

Photo: Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Vicky Moore, with local cycling specialist Jon The Pedaler during the Bike Health Check & Repair event held as part of Northern Ireland’s first Reuse and Repair Week. 🚲♻️

31/05/2026

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 🏆

The redevelopment of the former Savoy Hotel site on Bangor's Broadway has received another major accolade at the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) Design Awards 2026.

The scheme, which converted the former Art Deco hotel into residential accommodation and added two new apartment blocks, won the RSUA's top social housing award.

Designed by McGarry-Moon Architects for Clannmil Housing Association, the completed development provides 26 apartments for residents aged over 55 and represents one of Bangor city centre's most significant recent heritage regeneration projects.

According to the award judges, the project successfully balances the retention of the original 1930s Savoy building with contemporary residential development. The new apartment blocks were praised for drawing inspiration from Art Deco design principles while avoiding direct imitation, creating what judges described as a modern architectural response rooted in its surroundings.

The judges also highlighted how the development addresses the challenge of integrating a larger residential scheme into the existing Broadway streetscape through carefully controlled building heights and massing. Community terraces and shared garden spaces were additionally recognised for supporting resident wellbeing and social interaction.

The award recognises the overall redevelopment scheme rather than the original Savoy building itself, focusing on the architectural quality of the conversion, extension and integration of old and new elements across the site.

Originally constructed in the 1930s, the Savoy was one of Bangor's best-known Art Deco landmarks before being transformed into its current residential use.

📸 Have you visited the completed development? What do you think of the way the historic Savoy building has been incorporated into the wider scheme?

30/05/2026

☕🚗🔥𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒, 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘!
Enthusiast Focused🚗
Looking for something a little different this Sunday?

The 𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐬 & 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 event returns from 𝟏𝟎𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝐩𝐦, bringing together an incredible mix of classic cars, modified motors, performance machines, modern supercars and everything in between.

The best part? 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 and there is 𝐍𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐄𝐄.

Whether you're a lifelong petrolhead or simply fancy a family outing with a coffee in hand, there will be plenty to see as enthusiasts gather to showcase their pride and joy.

🏁 Cars & Coffee
🕙 Sunday | 10am – 2pm
📍 Eddie Irvine Sports Centre, Bangor
🎟️ Free Entry

Visitors can also take advantage of special event offers:

🏎️ Karting – £10 for 10 minutes
🎮 Racing Sims – £3 for 10 minutes
👦 Bambino Karting – £10 for 10 minutes

With dozens of eye-catching vehicles expected and the chance to get behind the wheel on the kart track, this promises to be one of Bangor's most exciting motoring gatherings of the summer.

Who's planning to head along? 👇

29/05/2026

🚂 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐋 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊! 🚂
Looking for something a little different this weekend? The hugely popular 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 returns, promising a fantastic family day out right in the heart of Bangor.

Spread across an impressive six exhibition halls, visitors can explore around 𝟔𝟎 different displays and exhibits, featuring everything from stunning model railway layouts and vintage Hornby collections to Lego creations, Meccano displays, model cars, planes, tractors, miniatures and much more.

🚆 Train layouts ranging from tiny T Gauge models to large O Gauge displays
🚂 Working railway scenes stretching up to 30 feet in length
🧱 Hands-on Brio railway layouts for younger visitors
🏠 Dolls houses and miniature displays
🎪 Circus exhibits and static displays
🚗 Model vehicles and children's own railway layouts
☕ Refreshments available throughout the day in The Hub

The exhibition is fully accessible, family-friendly and run in support of local church charities.

📍 City Church Bangor, Main Street (opposite ASDA and Market Street)
🕙 Saturday 30th May
⏰ 10:00am – 4:30pm

Whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast, a model-making fan, or simply looking for an enjoyable family outing, this long-running Bangor exhibition offers something for all ages.

🚂 With around 60 exhibits under one roof, this is one of the largest model railway events in the area and a great opportunity to see some remarkable craftsmanship up close.

28/05/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑’𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒? 🎶🌊

This could become one of the most talked-about features of Bangor’s entire waterfront regeneration.

Bangor Marine Ltd is officially inviting creatives, architects, designers, artists, engineers, makers and community collaborators to help shape a brand-new bandstand for the eastern side of the Marine Gardens development. And yes, this is a genuine opportunity to become part of Bangor’s future seafront identity.

Imagine summer evenings with live music drifting across the bay.
Festival performances overlooking Belfast Lough.
A striking new gathering place beside the promenade.
A structure people photograph, meet beside and remember for generations.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

According to Bangor Marine, the goal is to create something distinctive, memorable and rooted in Bangor’s maritime heritage and character. The project will be developed alongside the award-winning LIKE Architects, whose recent work at McConnell’s Distillery received major architectural acclaim.

And perhaps most importantly of all…

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬.

New public spaces are taking shape. And now the public is being invited to help influence part of it.

So here’s the question…

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝… 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? 🤔

Modern?
Traditional?
Maritime themed?
Glass and steel?
Victorian inspired?
Something completely unique to Bangor?

Drop your ideas below 👇

And if you know somebody creative who should see this, tag them or share this post.

The full design brief, eligibility criteria and submission details are available via the Bangor Marine website link in the comments section.

27/05/2026

𝐕𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐊𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑

For much of today, one of the most technologically advanced cruise ships afloat sat at anchor just beyond Bangor Harbour, dwarfing almost everything else on the water and providing a spectacular backdrop across Belfast Lough.

The 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐤𝐲, operated by Viking Cruises, is very much a modern interpretation of Scandinavian luxury cruising. While many cruise lines continue to chase ever-larger “floating resort” designs carrying 5,000 to 7,000 passengers, Viking has gone in the opposite direction with a more engineering-led boutique concept focused on destination travel and lower passenger density.

And yet, despite being described as a “small ship” by the cruise industry, the numbers behind Viking Sky are still staggering.

Built by Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri and launched in 2017, the vessel measures approximately 228 metres long, has a beam of almost 29 metres and weighs in at around 47,842 gross tonnes.

To put that into perspective, if laid along Bangor’s waterfront, the Viking Sky would stretch the length of Queens Parade, from the bottom of Gray’s Hill right down to the Red Berry.

The ship accommodates around 930 passengers across 465 balcony cabins, supported by a crew of approximately 550. That unusually high crew-to-passenger ratio is one of the reasons Viking vessels have developed such a strong following amongst cruise enthusiasts.

Under the skin, Viking Sky is effectively a floating power station. Rather than directly driving the propellers mechanically like older ships, she uses a diesel-electric propulsion system. Four MAN marine diesel engines generate electricity which powers everything onboard, from propulsion motors to lighting, restaurants, air conditioning and hotel services.

Each propulsion motor develops around 7,250 kW of power, helping push the vessel through the water at cruising speeds of approximately 17 knots, with a top speed around 20 knots.

The ship is also built to Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1C standards, meaning her hull is strengthened for operation in colder northern waters, entirely fitting for a vessel sailing under the Norwegian flag with Bergen listed as her home port.

Of course, Viking Sky is perhaps best known internationally for surviving one of the most dramatic cruise ship incidents in recent years. In March 2019, the vessel suffered engine failures during severe weather off the Norwegian coast near Hustadvika, leading to a major helicopter evacuation operation. Remarkably, the crew managed to restart engines before the ship grounded on rocks.

Thankfully, today’s visit to Bangor was considerably calmer.

25/05/2026

𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓
𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇’𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂

One of the underrated pleasures of spending time along Bangor’s seafront is the sheer variety of maritime traffic passing through Belfast Lough on any given day. What might look like a quiet stretch of water from a distance is often an active shipping corridor featuring everything from transatlantic freight and specialist vessels to expedition yachts and emerging water sports technology.

Today’s line-up was particularly interesting.

Among the most notable visitors was the 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥, a US-flagged cable laying vessel currently moored in Belfast. Ships like this form part of the hidden backbone of the global internet and telecommunications network. Subsea fibre-optic cables carry the overwhelming majority of international data traffic, and specialist vessels such as the Global Sentinel are used to deploy, maintain and repair these vital connections across the ocean floor.

The vessel itself is highly distinctive with its large open working deck, cable handling equipment and specialist positioning systems designed for precision offshore operations. Unlike conventional cargo ships, cable layers are effectively floating engineering platforms capable of carrying out extremely technical subsea work in deep water conditions.

Also spotted in the lough today was the striking explorer yacht 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, travelling from Dublin towards Belfast. Built in 2006 and measuring almost 43 metres in length, the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel falls into the increasingly popular category of “expedition yachts” or “explorer yachts”. These vessels are designed with long-range cruising capability and ocean-going endurance in mind rather than purely coastal luxury use.

With a robust hull design, high bridge visibility and substantial fuel range, vessels of this type are capable of operating in far more demanding environments than conventional pleasure craft. Friendly Confines has travelled extensively and looked particularly impressive crossing the lough against the County Antrim coastline.

Adding an altogether more futuristic element to the scene were three e-foilers silently gliding across the water nearby. Using electrically powered hydrofoils mounted beneath the board, riders are lifted above the water surface once sufficient speed is reached, dramatically reducing drag and creating the appearance of hovering above the sea.

The contrast between the three technologies on display today was remarkable. A specialist subsea infrastructure vessel helping maintain global communications networks, a trans-oceanic expedition yacht designed for long-range exploration, and cutting-edge electrically powered hydrofoil boards representing the future of personal watersports.

All of it unfolding within view of Bangor’s Seacliff Road.

It's a wee reminder that Belfast Lough remains one of the most interesting stretches of water anywhere around these islands for maritime enthusiasts, photographers and casual observers alike. Whether it is commercial shipping, naval traffic, cruise liners, offshore support vessels, racing yachts or emerging marine technologies, there is almost always something happening if you take the time to stop and look.

24/05/2026

𝐒𝐄𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄 🚢☀️

For a few glorious days this weekend, Bangor absolutely came alive.

Despite the ongoing Marine Gardens construction works and the disruption that inevitably comes with a major waterfront transformation project, Sea Bangor 2026 may well have been the best edition of the festival in quite a few years.

The atmosphere around the harbour was exceptional. Closing the roads around Eisenhower Pier and Quay Street proved to be a masterstroke, allowing the festival to spill naturally beyond the main event space and out into the surrounding streets. The result was something that felt far bigger, more vibrant and much more continental in character.

Crowds poured through the harbour area all afternoon, drifting between the pier, food stalls, outdoor seating areas and the surrounding streets packed with independent traders and hospitality venues. Street food vendors, outdoor bars and local businesses were doing a roaring trade as the sunshine added to an already electric atmosphere.

There was a genuine festival buzz across the city centre. Families, visitors, locals and tourists all mixing together in a way Bangor has not consistently seen for many years.

Perhaps most encouraging of all was the knock-on effect beyond the immediate event zone. Even Bangor High Street appeared noticeably busier, with cafés, bars and restaurants benefiting from the increased footfall as people explored more of the city throughout the day.

What Sea Bangor demonstrated this weekend is that Bangor works brilliantly when it embraces its waterfront, activates its public spaces and creates reasons for people to stay, wander and spend time in the city centre.

It also offered a glimpse into what Bangor could increasingly become once the wider waterfront regeneration projects are fully completed in the years ahead.

If this is what can be achieved during a major construction phase, then the long-term future for Bangor’s seafront and city centre suddenly feels very exciting indeed.

22/05/2026

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗥 ⚓🇬🇧

Two stunning traditionally-rigged vessels, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, sailed into Bangor today as part of the remarkable Full Circle Expedition ahead of this weekend’s Sea Bangor celebrations.

Crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans and serving personnel, the expedition is carrying the Invictus Games flag on a 2,000-mile voyage around the UK, visiting 23 ports before returning to Falmouth next month.

The inspiring journey is being coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, helping raise awareness and support for veterans facing challenges including PTSD, injury, isolation and loss of confidence.

The ships are berthed at Eisenhower Pier and will remain in Bangor throughout the Sea Bangor weekend, giving visitors the chance to see the beautiful vessels up close and meet the crew behind this incredible voyage.

With maritime displays, entertainment, stalls and a fantastic atmosphere expected across the waterfront, Sea Bangor is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest and most vibrant weekends of the year. 🌊⛵

📍 Eisenhower Pier, Bangor
📅 Sat 23 & Sun 24 May
🕛 12 noon to 6pm

Be sure to stop by and give the crews a warm Bangor welcome! 👏

Bangor by the Sea

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

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