Ballymena Marks 400 Years With Major Celebration Programme

Ballymena is celebrating 400 years in 2026 with a packed programme of events, including children’s clay crest making, a community parade, live music, family activities and a major celebration in People’s Park.

Ballymena 400 Celebrations Announced

Ballymena is set to mark a major milestone in 2026 as the town celebrates 400 years of Ballymena with a year-long programme of events.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has unveiled a wide range of activities for residents and visitors, celebrating the town’s history, communities and shared stories.

Ballymena 400 Events Begin At The Braid

The first event for younger residents will take place at The Braid, Ballymena, on Saturday 16 May, from 10.30am to 12.15pm.

Children will take part in a morning of clay crest making while learning about the history of The Adairs, who arrived in the early 1600s and helped establish the foundations of Ballymena as it is known today.

Ballymena 400 Celebration Parade And People’s Park Event

A flagship day of celebration will take place on Saturday 23 May, running from 10.30am to 4.00pm.

The day will begin with a colourful, community-led parade through Ballymena town centre at 10.30am.

The celebration will then continue in People’s Park from 12 noon, with a free family event open to all ages.

Activities will include:

• Live music
• Face painting
• Circus skills workshops
• Artisan market
• Children’s fun fair
• Petting farm
• Barrel rides
• 17th century re-enactors
• Climbing wall
• Gaming bus
• Storytelling sessions
• Arts and crafts

Mayor Welcomes Ballymena’s Historic Anniversary

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the celebrations would reflect Ballymena’s inclusive and diverse community.

He said the programme would include historic talks, community events and opportunities to celebrate the people who continue to shape Ballymena today.

The Mayor added that four centuries on, Ballymena continues to grow and evolve, while keeping its strong sense of community at its heart.

Full Ballymena 400 Programme

Everyone is welcome to take part in the Ballymena 400 celebrations throughout the year.

For the full Ballymena 400 events programme, visit:
https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ballymena-400-programme]

Celebrate 400 years of Ballymena by joining the parade, visiting People’s Park and supporting the events taking place across the town in 2026.