NEWS

One of Northern Ireland’s biggest annual motoring events will return to Ballymena Showgrounds this summer, with organisers now appealing for businesses to help make the charity fundraiser its most successful yet. Motorfest NI 2026 will take place on Sunday 23 August, bringing together hundreds of cars, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, automotive clubs and exhibitors, alongside thousands of enthusiasts and families from across Northern Ireland. Organised by the Community Rescue

The broken telegraph pole lies at the side of the road following the collision. A police investigation is under way after a car left the road, struck a telegraph pole and came to rest in a field near Ballymena, forcing the closure of a local road for several hours. The single-vehicle collision happened on the Crebilly Road in the early hours of Sunday morning, bringing down a telegraph pole and overhead utility cables. The damage meant the road had to be closed while the scen

A community vigil will take place in Ballymena on Wednesday evening as residents come together to remember the three members of the same family who died in the town this week. The gathering, organised by Youth Ambassadors Northern Ireland, will begin at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 15 July, outside The Braid Arts Centre (Town Hall) in the heart of Ballymena. Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl, whose bod

A major river restoration project that will improve more than 750 metres of local watercourse is getting under way, and volunteers are being invited to play a key role in helping bring it to life. Kells, Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club is appealing for local people to get involved in a series of habitat improvement days as work begins on a significant conservation scheme designed to benefit wild trout, salmon and other wildlife. The first volunteer sessions are planned for 1

Rasharkin Orange Hall was attacked with sectarian graffiti overnight. Rasharkin Orange Hall has again been targeted in what unionist representatives have described as a sectarian attack, after graffiti referencing the IRA was sprayed on the building overnight. The latest incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, July 14, has prompted calls for a police investigation and condemnation from political representatives, who say the attack is the latest in a se

The scene of the tragic incident in Ballymena on Monday. (Image: Steven McAuley, McAuley Multimedia) Political leaders have expressed their shock and sympathy following confirmation that the deaths of three members of the same family in Ballymena are being treated by police as a suspected double murder followed by a sudden death. Police confirmed on Tuesday that the victims were a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl who were found dead at a house i

Police investigating the deaths of three members of the same family in Ballymena say a strong hypothesis is that the incident was a double murder followed by a sudden death (suicide). The update was issued on Tuesday after the bodies of a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl were discovered at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area on Monday morning. Police have stressed that they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the de

Jo Bamford CBE, Executive Chairman of Wrightbus Wrightbus is expanding into Australia as the Ballymena-based manufacturer continues to grow its international footprint and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading zero-emission bus makers. The move marks another significant milestone for the company, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary and now has more than 3,000 zero-emission buses in service across the UK and Europe. It also follows a series of major

The scene of incident on Old Cullybackey Road, Ballymena (Images: Steven McAuley, McAuley Multimedia) A murder investigation has been launched after three members of the same family were found dead at a house in Ballymena on Monday morning. Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team are leading the investigation after the bodies of a man and two women were discovered at a property on the Old Cullybackey Road at around 9am. Police have stressed that there is no ongoin

Glenarm Castle, County Antrim Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the installation of solar panels at Glenarm Castle. The listed building consent application was submitted by Antrim Estates Company. Glenarm Castle is a Grade A listed building, recognised for its special architectural and historic interest. A planning officer’s report said the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) raised no objections to the

Ellen McClure’s group of ewe lambs One of Northern Ireland’s leading pedigree Dorset sheep flocks has been crowned overall champion in this year’s Northern Ireland Dorset Horn & Polled Sheep Breeders’ Club Flock Competition, with the prestigious awards setting the stage for the club’s annual premier show and sale in Ballymena later this month. The competition, judged by James and Craig Robson of the Ballyhamage Flock, recognised outstanding breeding, stock quality and flock

The scene on Monday morning in Ballymena Police are investigating after three members of the same family were found dead at a house in Ballymena on Monday morning. The bodies were discovered inside a property in the Old Cullybackey Road area, prompting a major police response and the closure of roads as detectives began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police say there is no ongoing risk to the public. Police investigation under way The scene of the sho

Kellswater Flute Band at the Ulster Memorial Tower, Thiepval, France Kellswater Flute Band has returned from what members described as one of the most significant engagements in the band’s history after taking part in the 110th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Somme in France and Belgium. The band participated in a series of remembrance events marking the anniversary of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, performing at some of the most importa

With another school year now at an end, ten teachers and school staff from across the Ballymena area have been recognised after hundreds of local pupils nominated the people who made the biggest difference to their lives in the classroom. The winners of Ballymena BID’s popular ‘Treat Your Teacher’ competition were announced following an overwhelming response from families, with children sharing heartfelt stories of kindness, encouragement, patience and support shown throughou

Carnlough Heritage Hub, County Antrim A drop-in event was held on Monday evening (July 6) at the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall to gather the views of the community on healthcare provision in the coastal area. The event was organised by Rural Community Network to gather residents’ views on primary and community healthcare services locally. Rural Community Network says it wants to hear opinions on “what is working and what can be improved locally”, with feedback helping t

Most recent participants and course leaders from the Medical Administration Academy in Mid & East Antrim Area People across Mid and East Antrim looking for a career in healthcare administration are being encouraged to register their interest for the next Medical Administration Academy after the latest programme helped participants build the skills needed to work in local GP practices. The eight-week academy, delivered by the Northern GP Federation Support Unit (NFSU) in partn

Glenhugh Flute Band Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate in or watch Twelfth demonstrations across Northern Ireland on Monday, July 13, as over 18 towns and cities host one of the largest annual cultural festivals in Europe. The traditional parades are taking place a day later than usual because July 12 falls on a Sunday this year. Thousands of Orangemen, Orangewomen and junior members from more than 1,000 lodges will be joined by approximately 600 marc

(L-R) UUP party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, TUV Bannside councillor Anna Henry, and Alliance Party Braid councillor, Chelsea Harwood Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has condemned reported comments by DUP councillor Reuben Glover about girls’ clothing and an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena, saying such views should have been “consigned to the 70’s”. Alliance councillor Chelsea Harwood has also called for an investigation and disciplinary action, descr

DUP Ballymena councillor Reuben Glover, and TUV Bannside councillor Anna Henry A TUV councillor has strongly condemned reported comments by DUP Ballymena representative Reuben Glover linking girls’ clothing with an alleged sexual assault, describing the remarks as “blatant victim blaming”. Bannside councillor Anna Henry said women and girls were never responsible for the actions of sexual predators and warned that comments from elected representatives could reinforce harmful

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon is pictured with George Doherty, Programme Officer at FCN Northern Ireland. Farmers, agricultural workers and rural residents across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to seek medical help early if they notice possible signs of cancer, after councillors agreed to support the ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign. The initiative, led through the Rural Communities Cancer Project, aims to raise awareness of cancer symptoms among