Ballymena 400 programme
Ballymena is marking a huge milestone this year – 400 years of stories, people, and place. But long before the busy town we know today, this area passed through many hands and had more than its fair share of twists and turns.
View our programme of events below.
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400 Years of Ballymena History Walking Tour - story of the 'Seven Towers'Join Alastair Donaghy Walks and Talks on a Ballymena 400th Anniversary guided walking tour, uncovering the City of the Seven Towers through historic landmarks, hidden stories, and local heritage. Dates: Monday 4 May and Saturday 10 May 2026 |
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Ballymena 400: Talk on The AdairsBallymena 400 civic evening with talks on the Adair family in Wigtownshire and Ballymena by Gaby Reynolds (Stranraer) and Natalie Bodle (Ballymena). Date: Thursday 7 May 2026Time: 7.15pm Location: The Braid, Ballymena To book a place please email Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk |
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Create your own clay crestJoin Squiggles and Giggles at Mid-Antrim Museum, the Braid for National Drawing Day. You will learn about the Adair family in Ballymena and then draw, mould and emboss your own crest using clay. This event is suitable for ages 6-11. Dates: 16 May 2026 |
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Ballymena 400A day of family fun and celeration for all ages as Ballymena marks 400 years. Date: Saturday 23 May 2026 |
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Ulster Potato Basket WorkshopJoin Welig Heritage Crafts for a full day workshop exploring one of Ulster's most distinctive traditional crafts—the Ulster Potato Basket. Once woven in their thousands around the southern shores of Lough Neagh, these baskets were an essential tool of agricultural and domestic life, valued for their strength, durability, and clever design. Date: Saturday 27 June 2026 To book phone 028 9335 8262 or email visitor.info@midandeastantrim.gov.uk |
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Fused glass workshop with Eleanor-Jayne McCartneyA fused-glass workshop with Irish glass artist Eleanor-Jayne McCartney. You will take inspiration from the museum collection to create a glass fish, inspired by the fish decoration on the People's Park fountain, gifted by the Adair family in 1910. Date: 8 August 2026 |
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Civic Thanksgiving Service to mark the 400th anniversary of the Ballymena CharterDate: uesday 25 August 2026 To book a place please email Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk |