Mid and East Antrim Pride Parade To Take Place In Ballymena This Weekend

Mid and East Antrim Pride will take place in Ballymena on Saturday 20 June 2026. The parade will assemble at Waveney Road from around 1pm before starting at 2pm. It will travel through several town centre streets, with traffic disruption and road closures expected. Police will be in attendance, and protest activity is also expected in parts of the town.

Mid and East Antrim Pride Parade Confirmed For Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim Pride will take place in Ballymena this Saturday, 20 June 2026, with the parade expected to bring people into the town centre for an afternoon of celebration, support and visibility.

The event is an important occasion for members of the LGBT+ community in Mid and East Antrim, as well as friends, families and supporters who wish to show solidarity.

Police have confirmed that there is likely to be some traffic disruption in Ballymena town centre, with a number of road closures expected while the parade takes place.

For more updates from police, visit the Police Service of Northern Ireland website.

Mid and East Antrim Pride Parade Route

The parade is expected to assemble in the Waveney Road area at approximately 1pm.

It is due to begin at 2pm and will make its way along the following route:

• Waveney Road area
• Galgorm Road
• Pentagon area
• Mill Street
• Wellington Street
• Broughshane Street
• William Street
• Ballymoney Street
• Greenvale Street

The parade is expected to conclude at around 3pm.

Traffic Disruption And Road Closures Expected

Motorists are being advised to expect delays in and around Ballymena town centre on Saturday afternoon.

Due to the parade route, road closures and temporary traffic disruption are likely in areas including Galgorm Road, Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street and Greenvale Street.

Anyone travelling through Ballymena during the event should allow extra time for their journey and follow directions from police officers on the ground.

For local updates, check Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the PSNI website.

Police Presence In Ballymena During Pride Event

Police have said there will be an increased presence in Ballymena to help ensure everyone’s safety during Mid and East Antrim Pride.

Officers are reminding members of the public to follow police instructions, respect others and follow advice on protests and parading.

Police said they want members of LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service. They also said anyone reporting an incident should expect to be treated with fairness and respect, particularly where hate crime is involved.

More information on protests and parading is available from the PSNI here: PSNI Processions And Protests Advice

Protest Activity Also Expected In Ballymena

Members of the public are also advised that protest activity is due to take place in the Harmony Hub and Broughshane Street areas.

Police said this activity is expected to remain peaceful.

Anyone attending the parade, travelling through the town, or taking part in any protest activity is being asked to act respectfully and follow police guidance.

Further information on public processions, protests and safety advice is available here: PSNI Processions And Protests

Reporting Hate Crime

Police have reminded the public that hate crime linked to sexual orientation or gender identity can be reported to officers.

Further information on how the Police Service responds to victims of sexual orientation or gender identity hate crime is available here: PSNI Hate Crime Advice

You can also learn more about reporting hate crime through nidirect’s hate crime information page.

Key Details For Mid and East Antrim Pride

• Event: Mid and East Antrim Pride
• Location: Ballymena town centre
• Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
• Assembly time: Around 1pm
• Start time: 2pm
• Expected finish: 3pm
• Traffic impact: Road closures and delays expected
• Police presence: Increased police presence confirmed

Community Support And Safety

Mid and East Antrim Pride gives people across the borough an opportunity to show support for LGBT+ residents, families and friends.

As with any large public event, those attending are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive in good time and be aware of possible traffic delays.

Police have asked everyone to respect others and help ensure the event passes safely and peacefully.

For wider support and information, visit The Rainbow Project or Cara-Friend, both of which support LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland.

Anyone planning to attend Mid and East Antrim Pride in Ballymena should check the parade route, allow extra travel time and follow police instructions throughout the day.

For more safety advice, visit the PSNI website.