NEWS

Ballymena Runners have announced the return of their popular Cosy Sofa programme for 2026, offering local people the chance to take their first steps into running in a friendly, supportive and community-focused environment. The eight-week programme will run from Tuesday 6 January to Tuesday 3 March 2026 , with weekly sessions beginning at 7:00pm in the Sports Zone Hall at Northern Regional College (NRC), Ballymena. Parking will be available at the Ballymena Showgrounds, acces

Anglers from across the North West and beyond are being encouraged to mark their calendars following confirmation of dates for the North West Angling Fair 2026, one of Northern Ireland’s premier fishing events. Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced that the popular fair will take place on Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th, 2026, returning to Strabane with a move to the newly refurbished Melvin Sports Complex. Organisers say the 2026 edition promises

Farmers’ Choir members who participated in the Life Beyond Service. The past year has proved to be both memorable and deeply fulfilling for the Farmers’ Choir, as its 55 members came together through music, friendship and a shared commitment to supporting rural communities across Northern Ireland. Under the leadership of Musical Director Barkley Thompson, the choir enjoyed a packed programme of concerts, community events and media appearances, reinforcing its role as an impor

The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty Patrick Kielty is set to lead a spectacular live countdown into 2026 as The Late Late Show rounds off 2025 with a star-studded New Year’s Eve special, packed with music, laughter and reflection. Broadcast live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, the much-loved annual programme promises an unforgettable night of entertainment, combining standout musical performances, surprise collaborations and lively studio conversations — before culminating in a

Ballymena Santa Run participants Ballymena hosted the annual Santa Run just before Christmas, returning with festive cheer and delivering a memorable evening of community spirit while raising vital funds for Cancer Fund for Children. With festive costumes lighting up the streets and the sound of seasonal music filling the air, the event proved to be far more than just a run. It was a powerful show of generosity, bringing together runners, volunteers, families and local busine

UK television audiences continued to make their voices heard in 2025, with Ofcom receiving almost 50,000 complaints about broadcast and on-demand content over the course of the year, according to newly published figures from the media regulator. The complaints related to more than 8,000 television, radio and on-demand programmes, a level of engagement which Ofcom said demonstrates how strongly viewers and listeners feel about the standards of the content they consume. “Every

Sparky, the Budget Energy mascot, joins players as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms the eight Northern Ireland representatives for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section, the first official team announcement ahead of next summer’s 43rd edition of the tournament. Pictured left to right are Callum McCabe (Rosario YFC) , Dylan Harkin (Maiden City), Archie Muir (Ballymena United) , Flynn Johnston (Cliftonville), Luke Duddy (Linfield) , Lorcàn Duffy (Newell Academy), Ben Robinson (Glen

Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti has made a highly anticipated return to Belfast, marking her first solo tour in a decade with a special performance at the Ulster Hall — now set to reach audiences across the UK and Ireland through a major Sky Arts broadcast. The concert, filmed last week at the iconic Belfast venue, will air as Nicola Benedetti & Friends on Monday, 29 December at 7.30pm on Sky Arts , with the pro

Shane and Maria Hourican from Business Exhibitions (BizEx) Ltd, organisers of the All-Ireland Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in Dublin Northern Ireland’s outdoor travel enthusiasts are being encouraged to make the short journey south this January, with organisers of the All-Ireland Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show offering free entry to NI residents travelling to Dublin for the event. Running alongside the popular Holiday World Show Dublin, the All-Ireland Caravan, Campin

Some of the Farm Families Health Checks Team at Balmoral Show earlier this year. Farm Families Health Checks will return to livestock marts across Northern Ireland this January, continuing its mission to bring vital healthcare directly to farming families following a year of significant impact and national recognition. As 2025 draws to a close, the team has highlighted its continued commitment to improving health and wellbeing across rural and farming communities. The award-w

Malachi Cush performing some of his favourite carols and newly released music with friends at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh Acclaimed Irish singer and broadcaster Malachi Cush is set to bring the spirit of Christmas to homes across Northern Ireland next week, entertaining listeners on BBC Radio Ulster following more than a dozen sold-out performances throughout the festive season. Listeners are invited to tune in on Christmas Day at 12noon for Christmas at the Cathedral ,

As the festive season approaches, Ballymena Elim Church on Castle Street is opening its doors to the local community with two special Christmas services designed to bring people together in celebration and reflection. The church is hosting a traditional Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 21 December at 6.30pm , followed by a poignant Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday 24 December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm . In a heartfelt message, the congregation emphasised their d

The Farmers’ Choir has enjoyed a highly successful and uplifting Christmas season, delighting audiences across Northern Ireland with a programme of festive music, warm humour and community spirit — while raising thousands of pounds for local charities along the way. The choir’s Christmas celebrations began with a festive concert in First Larne Presbyterian Church, hosted by Larne Foodbank. Performing a range of much-loved Christmas favourites, the choir entertained a warmly

A new Christmas lights display is bringing festive warmth, faith and community spirit to Broughshane this winter, as Tim’s Lights makes its debut on Caherty Hill in support of Marie Curie Northern Ireland. The charity display, which also runs in Tandragee, is rooted in a deeply personal mission — to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas while raising vital funds for end-of-life care across Northern Ireland. Since first switching on in 2014, Tim’s Lights has raised an impres

(L-R) Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Jole Dommett, Maya Jama and Jonathan Ross. The Masked Singer is set to bring festive fun to viewers this Boxing Day with a glittering Christmas Special, as four famous faces take to the stage disguised in elaborate seasonal costumes. Airing at 7.30pm on Boxing Day on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, the one-off special promises music, mystery and seasonal spectacle as celebrities perform undercover while the judging panel attempts to decipher

(L-R) – Adam Keefe, Head Coach, Belfast Giants; and Steve Thornton, Sports Director, The Odyssey Trust with the 2026 3ICE World Cup logo outside The SSE Arena, Belfast. The SSE Arena, Belfast is set to take centre stage on the global ice hockey calendar after being confirmed as the host venue for the inaugural 3ICE World Cup, scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026. The announcement, made by The Odyssey Trust, marks a major sporting milestone for Northern

SuperValu and Centra Marketing Manager Jennifer Whyte with Santa Claws which will visit Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena this week. Shoppers in Ballymena are set for a festive treat this Christmas as SuperValu and Centra bring their nostalgic ‘Santa Claws’ arcade experience to Fairhill Shopping Centre, offering the chance to win instant prizes — and even a dream family trip to New York. On Thursday 18th December , the popular retail brands will host a festive community eve

Waterstone’s Ballymena has released its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with festive favourites, cookery titles and family-friendly reads proving especially popular as Christmas approaches. From Mary Berry’s celebratory new release to children’s classics and record-breaking annuals, the list reflects a wide range of tastes among local shoppers seeking thoughtful Christmas gifts. This Week’s Top 10 Bestselling Books – With Descriptions 1. Mary 90 — Mary Berry A celebratory co

“Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!” The festive season is officially underway as The Late Late Show Christmas Special welcomes a host of major stars — including Hollywood icon Brendan Fraser — for a packed night of entertainment with Patrick Kielty. Irish golfing champion Shane Lowry leads the line-up after an outstanding year on the course, having helped secure Team Europe’s dramatic Ryder Cup victory and recently thrilling crowds at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai

Ballymena is gearing up for a major festive celebration this Saturday, 13 December, as Santa’s Spectacular Festive Cavalcade returns for its third year—complete with hundreds of illuminated vehicles, charity fundraising, and the hugely popular Festive Minions bringing lively chaos to the town centre earlier in the day. The much anticipated Christmas convoy, which always attracts visitors from near and far, has rapidly become one of Ballymena’s standout seasonal events. Host