Killyleagh's summer festival will open with two events at Killyleagh Castle on the weekend of August 15 and 16. Off the Ground Theatre will perform Twelfth Night in the castle grounds on Saturday, August 15 at 7pm. A family activity day and artisan market will run on Sunday, August 16 from noon to 4pm.

Admission is free for all events, with voluntary donations in support of Off the Ground Theatre Company and the Killyleagh Community Association. Sunday's activity day includes children's entertainment, a professionally staffed bouncy castle and slide for under 12s, facepainting, and music from Reely Jiggered, Deborah Fitzsimons and Mark Braidner. The artisan market will have 20 stalls of local crafts, produce and handmade goods.

The festival also includes a week-long series of free music and arts events around the village. The Booze Bros will perform at the International Bar on Friday, August 14 at 8pm. Not Safe with a Razor will play at the Dufferin Arms on Tuesday, August 18 at 5pm. The Speed Kings will perform classic rock and blues at Killyleagh Football Club on Sunday, August 23 at 2pm.

A vinyl night at the Hans Sloane Centre on Thursday, August 20 from 7pm to 9pm invites people to bring their favourite LPs and singles and share the stories behind them. These events are part of the Killyleagh Music Trail.

Patricia Weir will lead a storytelling session about Finn McCool on Wednesday, August 19 at 2pm in Killyleagh, aimed at children aged seven to 11 and young adults.

The festival is organised by local volunteers and supported by community partners. Updates will be posted on the Killyleagh Community Association's social media channels and local noticeboards.