The PORTICO of Ards

Creative Portaferry is the culmination of a 12-week community arts project produced by c21 Theatre Company in partnership with Portaferry Recreation Hub, Portaferry, and local residents. 

Since April 2026, participants have engaged in creative workshops exploring their personal connections to Portaferry, to produce a collection of poetry, prose and song. 

• Directed by Faith Dawson & Stephen Kelly
• Sound Design by Keith Acheson

• Participants: Elaine McBratney, Charleen Doran, Susan Patterson, Alan Patterson, Lorna Spence, Kerry Shields, Moira Ritchie and Jamie O'Neill.

   

Come join us to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, and to get a glimpse of Portaferry through a different lens.

The event will be free of charge. All are welcome.

A night for guitar lovers is coming to Portico, Newcastle-upon-Tyne born virtuoso guitarist & composer Paul Rose will be joining us on Friday 7th of August 2025.

Paul's career began after being chosen as the winner of a national guitar competition in the UK by Rory Gallagher, who would describe him as a "hot guitarist with a hot future". 

Paul would go on to become a touring and recording artist in his own right, win awards, take up residency in New York venues and work with musician's musicians the world over. Drawing from these experiences he has honed his craft and developed his own unique style. While coming from a rock tradition he has incorporated blues, country, jazz and folk, into a style all his own. 

All reports indicate Paul is a performer who always impresses, accolades from professionals and audience alike lean on phrases like 'guitar master' and 'best I have ever seen' an awful lot. And he was once declared guitarist of the year by Guitarist Magazine! Anyone who knows their way around a fret board will appreciate his skill but there will be plenty for anyone there just to appreciate the music.

Tickets are available now.

Do you know someone with an upcoming birthday or celebration you want to honour with a special gift for them to enjoy? A voucher for one of our exciting events is a great place to start!