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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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 celebration for all ages as Ballymena marks 400 years. Date: Saturday 23 May 2026 |
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Ballymena in WatercolourSpend a relaxed and inspiring day exploring the beauty of Ballymena through watercolour. It is designed for all skill levels from complete beginners to those looking to develop their style further. Guided step-by-step, you'll create your own interpretation of a landscape, building confidence in composition, colour, and storytelling through paint. Date: Monday 25 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: Saturday 8 August 2026 |
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Civic Thanksgiving Service to mark the 400th anniversary of the Ballymena CharterDate: Tuesday 25 August 2026 To book a place please email Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk |
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Ballymena 400 Teens Poetry WorkshopDate: Monday 31August 2026 |