The Portico of Ards

The Portico of Ards Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry, County Down

A beautiful grade A listed church recently restored and now a vibrant arts and heritage centre for the whole community.

09/09/2026

Jukka Geisler was kind enough to send us a video introducing himself and his programme for his show at Portico of Ards on the 4th of October 2026 including a preview of him in action.

Jukka is one of the most versatile artists of his generation, the young pianist and organist has received several awards while his competition and concert activities have taken him to important churches across Europe, and will be taking him on to the US in the next year.

Jukka's performance will feature Portico's own pipe organ, a permanently installed feature of our performance space. Don't miss your chance to see this exceptional young artist while he is with us.

04 October 2026 | 15:00 - 17:00
Find tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7wemvx

Presented with the support of Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT!This Halloween join us for the presentation of a quartet of classic silent horror movies scored li...
08/09/2026

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT!

This Halloween join us for the presentation of a quartet of classic silent horror movies scored live by the astonishing improvisor Martin Baker and four tales of the supernatural presented with relish by Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours

Initially Andrew will take you on a journey, hinting at the nightmarish lore from Northern Ireland and the Irish border counties to come. He will share the first of four stories from across the landscape, where malevolent forces may linger. Steel your nerves for an evening of hair-raising horror!

We will then be presenting one of four classic silent horror films with a live improvised score provided by Martin Baker award winning improvisational musician and internationally acclaimed organist.

Andrew and Martin will take turns to embellish, flourish, excite, thrill and unnerve, each in their own way. This will be a perfect way to spend the spookiest night of the year.

31 October 2026 | 19:30 - 21:30
Find tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/mp2cpzff

Presented with the support ofArts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council

He's fresh from the Fringe and funnier than ever, William Thompson returns to the Portico of Ards this October for anot...
07/09/2026

He's fresh from the Fringe and funnier than ever, William Thompson returns to the Portico of Ards this October for another night of brilliant laughs.

Delving into the world of social media to examine just how much it actually affects the real world. Trolls, incels, N***s, they only exist online… right?

Thompson’s latest show leads us, armed with nothing but his signature dark, punchy humour to plumb the depths of social media to try and find some answers.

17 October 2026 | 19:30 - 21:30
Find tickets linked here: https://tinyurl.com/8j23zpc3

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council
Promoted by Shine Belfast

We had a little celebration last week. Over 50 of Portico's wonderful volunteers got together for our annual party on Fr...
07/09/2026

We had a little celebration last week. Over 50 of Portico's wonderful volunteers got together for our annual party on Friday 4th September. Great food and great craic were shared by great people - Portico could not operate without their brilliant support and dedication so thank you again to them all.

If you are interested in joining us and becoming a Portico volunteer send us an email on [email protected] to find out more.

A big thank you to our resident and regular snapper Adrian McClure for the photos.

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT!"Nashville Live", Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show returns for another fantastic night of to...
06/09/2026

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT!

"Nashville Live", Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping classic country at Portico 12th June 2027

The upcoming tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Tammy Wynette and Kenny Rogers and Shania Twain and more with well-known singalong anthems in this musical extravaganza. Sing you through the decades right up to the present day performing 40 timeless hit songs.

If it’s Country music you like then this is the only show in town!

12 June 2027 | 19:30 - 21:30
Find tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/4vzvu486

Presented with the support of Ards and North Down Borough Council

With awe-inspiring four-part harmonies, low-bowed double bass, flutes, trumpet, banjo and more, Wookalily create a mast...
05/09/2026

With awe-inspiring four-part harmonies, low-bowed double bass, flutes, trumpet, banjo and more, Wookalily create a masterful and sweeping sonic tapestry that will leave audiences rapt with wonder, and wanting more.

This is ambitious folk music. Daring to dissolve musical and generic boundaries. Irreverently intertwining the disciplines of blues, rock, punk and more to create a unique and singular musical menagerie that must be witnessed to be truly experienced.

26 September 2026 | 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/tnh6wvn9

Presented with the support of Ards and North Down Borough Council

04/09/2026

Neil Delamere, one of Ireland’s most popular stand-up comedians, known for his lightning-fast wit, razor-sharp timing and countless appearances across RTÉ, BBC and Channel 4 will be coming to Portico 4th of December 2026 with his show Neil's on Wheels.

Here's a clip of the last time he visited us. Make sure you get your tickets booked soon!

04 December 2026 | 19:30 - 21:30

Secure your tickets now: https://tinyurl.com/2zrspdhk
Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Saxophonist and composer Christian Forshaw , soprano Grace Davidson and organist and choral conductor Richard Pinel will...
03/09/2026

Saxophonist and composer Christian Forshaw , soprano Grace Davidson and organist and choral conductor Richard Pinel will be joining us at Portico on 15th November 2026.

The programme will showcase music from three albums - Historical Fiction, Sanctuary, and Lindisfarne - which explore a common thread: the meeting of ancient musical traditions with contemporary expression. Join us for this evening of exquisite music in the perfect setting.

15 November 2026 | 15:00 - 17:00
Find tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/5w3aybfu

Presented with the support of Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council

We wanted to share some photos with you all from 'Bach, Bows and Arrows! - An Audience with Julian & Jiaxin Lloyd Webbe...
03/09/2026

We wanted to share some photos with you all from 'Bach, Bows and Arrows! - An Audience with Julian & Jiaxin Lloyd Webber' at Portcio last Saturday.

It was a delight to play host to Julian and Jiaxin, and grateful for the performances and stories shared during this intimate and insightful show.

Photos provided by the talented Adrian McClure.

Address

Steele Dickson Avenue
Portaferry
BT221LE

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 2pm - 4pm
Sunday 2pm - 4pm

Telephone

+442842728808

Website

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