Our friends at the much-loved Ards Puppet Festival have just announced this year’s programme – and it’s as magical as ever!
Step into a world of imagination on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 October, with a packed programme celebrating all things puppetry. Enjoy unforgettable performances from world-class puppet companies, get hands-on in our fun puppet-making workshops, explore a fascinating puppet exhibition, and wander through the enchanting Woodland Wonderland where curious creatures are waiting to meet you.
With lots of bookable shows and free events and activities, this will be a fun day out for all the family!
📍 Events take place at Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards.
👉 See the full programme and book your tickets
📅 Sunday 26 October 2025
Sea Legs Puppet Theatre – Tales from the Farmyard
🕒 11:00 – 11:45am | 12:45 – 1:30pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £6
Join the story man as he meets The Little Red Hen and her famous farmyard friends.
Find out more
Lempen Puppet Theatre – Penny and the Far Thing
🕒 11:30 – 11:50am | 1:00 – 1:20pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £4 (limited capacity), ages 4+
A story set on a penny farthing bicycle, celebrating the cycle of the seasons.
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Sea Legs Puppet Theatre – Edward Lear’s Dream
🕒 1:15 – 2:00pm | 3:00 – 3:45pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £6, ages 4+
Edward Lear falls asleep at his desk and dreams in nonsense.
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Lempen Puppet Theatre – Flotsam & Jetsam
🕒 11:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £6, ages 4+
A tale of our time – a visual puppetry treat.
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Puppet Making Workshop
🕒 11:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free, drop-in
Make your own woodland animal puppets!
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Handmade Theatre – Woodland Wonderland
🕒 Various times between 11am – 4pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free
Step into a woodland puppet adventure.
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Pignut Productions – The Flea Circus
🕒 Various times between 11am – 4pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free, no booking
Tiny feats of astonishing bravery and beauty.
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📅 Monday 27 October 2025
Lempen Puppet Theatre – The Fisher and His Wife
🕒 1:45 – 2:05pm | 3:15 – 3:35pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £4 (limited capacity), ages 4+
A classic Brothers Grimm tale brought to life.
Find out more
Lempen Puppet Theatre – Flotsam & Jetsam
🕒 11:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | £6, ages 4+
A tale of our time – a visual puppetry treat.
Find out more
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre – Puppet Exhibition
🗓 26 – 27 October
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free
Discover puppets that have inspired audiences for nearly 40 years.
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Professor Queen-Bee – It’s Bee-Hind You
🗓 26 – 27 October, various times 11am – 4pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free
A Punch and Judy show with a green twist.
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Handmade Theatre – Woodland Wonderland
🕒 Various times between 11am – 4pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free
A brand-new puppet adventure in a woodland wonderland.
Find out more
Pignut Productions – The Flea Circus
🕒 Various times between 11am – 4pm
📍 Ards Arts Centre | Free, no booking
The tiniest circus with the grandest tricks.
Find out more
✨ Don’t miss this magical weekend of puppetry in Newtownards — book your tickets now!