When venues say they have something for everyone, do they really mean it? Portico in Portaferry is certainly trying to live up to that claim this summer with an eclectic selection of sizzling events!
The Ulster Consort starts the season on Saturday 3 June with a ‘Serenade to Music’ of British and Irish 19th and 20th century favourites from Elgar, Parry, Vaughan Williams, Villiers Stanford and Wood.
‘Music From The Movies’ is the theme of Aaron Hawthorne’s organ recital on the afternoon of Sunday 11 June.
On Thursday 29 June, the focus turns to heritage as Portico hosts a screening of ‘Once Upon A Place: Portaferry’ made in 1991, followed by a discussion about heritage with familiar local faces from the film.
Toe-tapping tunes from three fiddles, a mandolin and a guitar take centre stage on Friday 30 June when the Kinnaris Quintet bring their unique blend of Bluegrass, Trad. Irish and Scottish music.
Hot from his European festival tour, authentic American Country artist Albert Cummings plays his first gig in County Down on Saturday 8 July. With multiple billboard hits, his Americana and Blues style is perfect fodder for Country music lovers.
If Dolly is about as Country as you get then you might enjoy Dragaoke with Lady Portia on Monday 17 July, as part of Portaferry’s Gala Week. Don’t forget to practise!
By the end of July, the children will be climbing the walls (or you will be) so on the afternoon of Sunday 30 July there is a special interactive event ‘Magical Musical Creatures (And Where To Find Them)’ which promises to engage the whole family in creating a musical performance.
Finally, the end of summer is celebrated on Friday 22 September with the ever-popular Spring Break, playing 1980s favourites that will have everyone dancing in the aisles.
Portico is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council and further information on all the events can be found at porticoards.com