Christmas message from Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford

Friday 19 December 2025

As the lights shine bright across our Borough, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has made this year truly meaningful.

It has been a true honour to serve as your Mayor this year. Representing the people of Mid and East Antrim, attending events, meeting residents, and supporting local causes has been a privilege I will always treasure. I am grateful for the tremendous generosity, and community spirit I have experienced at every corner of our Borough.

As we approach the close of another remarkable year, it gives me great joy to reflect on the achievements, resilience and community spirit that have defined 2025 in Mid and East Antrim.

This year has been a time of both honour and responsibility. In June, I was deeply humbled to take on the chain of office from Alderman William McCaughey, following the sad passing of Alderman Beth Adger MBE, a much-loved Mayor whose devotion to our Borough and to charitable causes continues to inspire us all. Her legacy lives on in the incredible £17,000 raised for Air Ambulance NI and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust - a testament to Beth’s tireless commitment to our community.

A cornerstone of our work this year has been supporting accessibility to meaningful opportunities. Through the Labour Market Partnership, nearly 2,000 people engaged in training, upskilling and employment pathways, helping to strengthen both our local economy and individual futures.

Tourism has also thrived. Mid and East Antrim welcomed over 220,000 visits to our Borough that contributed more than £52 million to our local economy - sustaining thousands of jobs and showcasing our beautiful area to visitors from near and far.

We have also taken meaningful steps to enhance the experience of everyone living and working here in MEA. Council signed the Age-Friendly Pledge, affirming our commitment to valuing staff of all ages and fostering an inclusive workplace.

And of course, the festive season itself is bringing joy across Mid and East Antrim - from the Christmas lights switch ons and the Carrickfergus Christmas Trail to community-led kindness initiatives such as the Pre-Loved Toys Scheme that are helping families in need.

As we look ahead to the year to come, there is much to be positive about. Major investment through the Belfast Region City Deal will help unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation and skills across our Borough, while the redevelopment of Carnfunnock Country Park marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of our most cherished outdoor spaces.

Throughout the year, I have been extremely humbled by the generosity of the people, businesses and community organisations of Mid and East Antrim in supporting my nominated Mayor’s Charities - Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Chest Heart & Stroke.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without you. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who will be working over the festive period, keeping essential services running at this special time of year.

As we celebrate with loved ones this Christmas, let us carry forward the spirit of community, kindness and hope into the New Year.

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful Christmas and a prosperous 2026.