The Narrows Series Regatta takes place this July over 4 days, showcasing fantastic competitive sailing, launching on day 1 with the spectacular Bar Bouy Race at the mouth of the lough, and attracts over 140 boats. Over the following 3 days watch as 13 classes of boats compete, from Glens, Rivers, FF’s, lasers, Dingys and more!
Come along to Portaferry Sailing Club, Shore Road, Portaferry.
Introducing a new event for Galafest2022 – Taste Your Town. Keeping it local with a walking food & drink tour in Portaferry experiencing the fantastic venues on offer in our town.
Tickets for Bingo Loco on Wednesday 20th July 2022 will be released on Friday 27th May via Eventbrite. Tickets £20 p/p. Bar Facilities available. Strictly over 18’s only. Get ready to buy your ticket as numbers will be limited!!!
Tuesday 19th July 2022 sees the return of the #PortaferryGala 10 Mile Race. Athletics NI have introduced a new online entry system provided by Open Track. You must create an account with Open Track in order to register for the race.
Opening this Year’s Gala this new event “BURGER FEST” has something for everyone!
BURGER COMPETITON! who will win the title of best BURGER there will be a wide range of burgers on offer from MEAT, CHICKEN, VEGAN, PLANT BASED, FISH and lots of bespoke and creative burgers to try!
***Any local food businesses in Portaferry who are interested in setting up a burger stand at the festival please contact us via marketing@portaferrygala.com****
Burger Eating Competition – who can eat the most the quickest
* Challenge Games * Petting Farm * Climbing Tower * Train Rides * Games for all ages * Balloon Modeller * Circus Workshops * Arts & Crafts * Festival Glitter Tatoos * Ferry FM * Live Music (local artists) * Helter Skelter * Laser Shoot * Bouncy Castles and lots more!
Tickets only £2 per person (under 2 go free) access to all activities and entertainment free!
This year the Gala Fancy Dress Parade will be on Tuesday 19th July 2022 @ 2pm (route parade and judging Square, Ferry Street, Shore Road, The Strand, Castle Street and back to the Square).
Gala Thursday. Traditional Pitching the Sheaf entertainment! Live from the Square all day
Thursday 21st July 2022 – Farming Community Day with lots of additional activities, radio, games, dancing, music, food, open to everyone start midday until late.
* FERRY FM – Roadshow live from the Square (music, games, interviews, challenges) * The TOY ride on tractor run for kids (pedal or battery operated) * Live Entertainment from the Square * Pitching the Sheaf * Kids activities * Special Surprise Performance * Rodeo Bull * Inflatable horse racing * Fun challenges for all the family * And lots more!!!!
Further details to follow. Be sure to follow Portaferry Gala Social Media and this website for updates.
Preparations for Gala Week 2022 are well and truly underway and the Committee are delighted to report that we will be returning to a full week of events to celebrate our Emerald Anniversary!
Galafest doesn’t just happen. It is the result of twelve months investment of time, talents and commitment by a dedicated group of 12 volunteers. This alongside continued financial support from Ards and North Down Borough Council, businesses and funders is what makes Gala Fest, Galaween and the Christmas events possible.
The last 2 years have been challenging for everyone and it is hoped that a return to our usual much enjoyed programme along with a few new events, will bring a buzz back to the town.
In the past, the closing of Gala Fest has traditionally ended with the annual float parade which drew huge crowds to the town, entertained by the fabulous displays created by our local bars and their team of ‘float builders’.
However, due to our local hospitality owners only starting to see their businesses beginning to return to some kind of normal and given the ever increasing rise in the cost of materials required to build floats, this year the committee has decided to build on the ‘Talk of the Walk’ event that has been established over the last 2years (whilst COVID restrictions were in place) and encourage not just the bars to join in with the residents but the local shops, restaurants and cafes.
This event will be judged on the Gala Friday and will bring a Festival feel to the town, especially if the weather is as kind to us as last year!
Keep an eye on the Gala Social Media pages and this website over the coming weeks when we will be releasing details of our new events and the return of others.
Again none of this would be possible without the time, talents and commitment of the Committee but also thank you to the many supporters and champions of the Gala and we look forward to welcoming you to Gala Fest 2022.
