Ballymena will officially celebrate its 400th birthday on Tuesday 25 August 2026, with a full day of family entertainment, heritage events and live performances.
Celebrations will include a Birthday Bonanza in Wellington Court, a civic service at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland and evening entertainment in The People’s Park. The day will finish with a fireworks display at 9.30pm.
Ballymena is preparing to mark its 400th birthday with a major programme of celebrations across the town on Tuesday 25 August.
The anniversary marks 400 years since the signing of Ballymena’s Charter in 1626. Residents and visitors are being invited to take part in a day celebrating the town’s history, heritage and community.
Events will run from the morning into the evening before concluding with fireworks over The People’s Park.
Visitors can also explore the Northern Ireland Online Ballymena Local Guide for more local information, businesses, attractions and things to do.
Ballymena 400th Birthday: What’s Happening?
Activities will take place at several locations throughout Ballymena.
10.30am – Children’s Storytelling at The Braid
The celebrations begin at 10.30am at the Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid.
Children aged four to eight can attend a special storytelling session featuring The Tale of the Castle Cat and Golden Dragon.
The book was commissioned as part of the Ballymena 400 programme and tells the story of Ballymena Castle and Master Adair.
Booking is required for the storytelling session.
11am–2pm – Birthday Bonanza at Wellington Court
From 11am until 2pm, Wellington Court will host a free Birthday Bonanza.
Entertainment and activities are set to include:
- Circus performers
- Puppet shows
- Face painting
- Cupcake decorating
- Party hat decorating
- Interactive activities
- A Ballymena birthday invitation trail
Children taking part in the trail will be able to collect stamps while learning facts about Ballymena’s history.
The event is being organised in partnership with Ballymena BID and has been partially funded by the Department for Communities.
Ballymena 400 Key Times
Ballymena 400: Key Times
10.30am Children's storytelling session at The Mid-Antrim Museum at The Braid. Booking required.
11am–2pm Birthday Bonanza at Wellington Court with free family entertainment and activities.
7.30pm Civic service at St Patrick's Church of Ireland.
8.30pm Evening entertainment begins at The People's Park.
9.30pm Ballymena 400 fireworks display.
Civic Service at St Patrick’s Church
The town’s heritage will take centre stage later in the day.
A civic service will take place at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland at 7.30pm.
The service will recognise generations of people and events that have helped shape Ballymena during its 400-year history.
Ballymena 400 Fireworks at The People’s Park
The final celebrations will move to The People’s Park from 8.30pm.
There will be live performances from the Johnny Murphy School of Traditional Music and Rock Choir, including singers from Ballymena, Ballymoney and Jordanstown.
Visitors can also expect:
- Face painting
- Glitter tattoos
- Arts and crafts
- Gaming bus
- Walkabout characters
- Magician
- Live music
The evening will culminate with the Ballymena 400 fireworks display at 9.30pm.
Mayor: Anniversary Celebrates Ballymena’s Past and Future
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Thomas Gordon said the anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate Ballymena’s history while also looking towards its future.
He said it would be fantastic to see families and visitors enjoying the celebrations and encouraged the community to come together and create new memories.
Full Ballymena 400 Programme
Events are taking place throughout 2026 as part of the wider Ballymena 400 programme.
The full official programme can be viewed on the Ballymena 400 section of the Shaped by Sea and Stone website.
For more events across Northern Ireland, visit the Northern Ireland Online Events Guide.
You can also keep up with what’s happening locally through the Ballymena Local Guide.
Planning to Attend?
With activities running from the morning until after 9.30pm, visitors can choose individual events or spend the day celebrating Ballymena’s milestone anniversary.
Families attending the evening programme should plan ahead and allow additional time to reach The People’s Park before the fireworks begin.
Keep checking Northern Ireland Online for the latest Ballymena news, events and local updates ahead of the celebrations.
Ballymena 400 Events
View more information about Ballymena's 400th birthday events on Northern Ireland Online.
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