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This March, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry comes alive as the Feel Good Festival (1-31) returns, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and the senses. Against the beautiful coastal backdrop, audiences are invited to embrace the spring season with experiences that are intimate, joyful, and inspiring.

Highlighting this year’s festival are luminous performances that will take you on a musical journey that captures the magic of renewal, all carefully curated to create emotional resonance and connection. The festival opens on 1 March with the much-loved The Fureys in their farewell concert, already sold out, setting the tone for a month of unforgettable performances. A second concert from The Fureys has been added on 25th March.  Comedy fans will be delighted by Emer Maguire on 6 March and Terry McHugh on 13 March, while classical enthusiasts can revel in the soaring harmonies of The Gesualdo Six on 7 March and the cinematic elegance of the Piatti Quartet performing music from the movies on 15 March. Folk lovers will be enchanted by The Henry Girls and Lore on 14 March, and audiences can immerse themselves in the Spring Equinox Sound Spa with Tessa Ann on 22 March, dance the night away 80s style with Spring Break on 28 March, hear the enduring classics of Peter Corry: One Singer Some Songs on 21 March or attend his workshop Find Your Voice and Use it with Confidence that afternoon, and experience the vocal artistry of Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher on 29 March.

The Portico of Ards itself becomes part of the performance, its historic architecture and breathtaking coastal setting enhancing every note, every laugh, and every shared moment. Each event is designed with curation and intimacy in mind, offering audiences the rare opportunity to encounter artists up close in a space where the surroundings amplify the experience.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and range, presenting Irish and international talent across multiple genres.

Feel Good Festival Director, Neil McClure, said:
“The Feel Good Festival at The Portico of Ards is about more than music - it is about joy, connection, and renewal. This March our carefully curated diverse programme of performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with sound, space, and each other, leaving everyone refreshed and inspired. With a huge thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support.”

For tickets and further information visit www.porticoards.com. Follow Feel Good Festival via Portico of Ards on Instagram and Facebook @porticoportaferry and join the conversation with #FeelGoodFestival2026.

Portico is delighted to be recruiting for two new positions, come and join the team!

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER (part-time) - JobApplyNI

This job is as Front of House Manager for Portico.  The role is to assist the Portico manager in the efficient and safe running of shows including liaising with volunteers and allocating them jobs for each event.  The role will also include setting up for shows; carrying out and recording safety checks; dealing with clients’ queries and liaising with the manager on all matters related to the effective and safe running of Portico and of individual shows both in Portico and in other venues.

Application Information -JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Closing date - 31/03/2026

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (part-time) - JobApplyNI

This job is as administrative assistant to the Portico Manager.  The role is primarily to assist the Portico manager in the efficient and safe running of Portico.  For example, producing and maintaining documentation, databases and systems that help us offer great customer service and support the efficient operation and governance of The Portico of Ards.  In addition, this will include liaising with performers, and maintaining accurate records of this, and to ensure that all H&S requirements are met and records maintained. The administrative assistant will also work with the manager to ensure that all records and files are up to date and that where reviews are needed these are carried out in a timely manner.  The successful applicant will also liaise with the Board and support the keeping of Board records and support the Company Secretary in keeping minutes of Board Meetings etc.

Application Information -JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Closing date - 31/03/2026