NEWS

Families across Antrim and Glengormley are set for a treat this Easter as Bluey — the global children’s TV sensation — arrives on the big screen with a special cinema event designed to delight audiences of all ages. Landing in local cinemas on Friday 27 March, Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection offers an hour-long experience packed with laughter, imagination and heart, just in time for the school holidays. A big-screen celebration of play, friendship and f

Global superstar Niall Horan is set to return to Belfast for a major arena show in 2026, with the chart-topping singer confirming the final date of his UK and European tour will take place at the SSE Arena on Sunday 15 November. The highly anticipated performance will mark the closing night of his newly announced Dinner Party tour, named after his upcoming album, and is expected to draw huge demand from fans across Northern Ireland and beyond. Tickets and key details Tickets

Gillian Matthews marking 10 years in business with Willow Beauty A Ballymena beauty salon born out of uncertainty is now celebrating a decade of success, resilience, and community support. Willow Beauty marks its 10th anniversary this month, reflecting on a journey that began with a leap of faith and has grown into one of the town’s most recognised and award-winning salons. From uncertainty to opportunity Founded by local business owner Gillian Matthews , the salon first open

Inset: South Antrim UUP MP Robin Swann A move to reduce the impact of fireworks on communities and animals has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by South Antrim MP Robin Swann , following a positive response from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The council has confirmed it will now consider using silent or low-noise fireworks at future public events, after adopting a motion on the issue and reviewing its approach to event planning. Council commits to r

12-year-old Ballymena fighter Lacey Stewart A 12-year-old Ballymena fighter is rapidly becoming one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young combat sports prospects after claiming gold at one of the region’s top competitions. Lacey Stewart, a Year 8 pupil at Dunclug College , delivered a standout performance at the Battle of the North tournament at Templemore Sports Complex, securing a unanimous decision victory in the 11–12 years novice category. Her latest triumph builds o

On Your Marks… launching the 2026 Larne AC 10 Mile Race is Kathryn Douglas of headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions alongside Larne AC Co-Chairs Paul Tilson and Diane Hawthorne, and Larne AC athlete Jordan Heron. The much-loved Larne 10 Mile Race is set to make a powerful return this spring, with a new sponsor and growing momentum cementing its place as one of Northern Ireland’s standout road running events. Organised by Larne Athletic Club, the race will take plac

A major fundraising walk along Northern Ireland’s iconic Causeway Coast is set to return this summer, as AWARE NI launches its flagship Giant Steps event for 2026 — at a time when demand for mental health support has never been greater. Taking place on Saturday, 6 June, the popular event — now in its fifth year — has already raised more than £200,000 to sustain frontline services, with organisers hoping for another strong turnout from communities across the region. A walk wi

Patrick Connor (standing) with Musical Director Andrew Robinson. A Ballymena performer is set to shine under the spotlight next month as one of the standout voices in a major musical theatre showcase on the North Coast. Patrick Connor, from Buckna , will take centre stage in Ballywillan Drama Group’s upcoming production, The Best of Broadway and the West End 3 , running at Portrush Town Hall from April 14–18. The award-winning group is already deep in rehearsals for the hi

From Freida McFadden’s gripping psychological thrillers to Easter-themed children’s favourites, Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its latest Top 10 bestselling books alongside half-price highlights, storytime fun and upcoming events for readers of all ages. This week’s Top 10 bestselling books Psychological suspense dominates this week’s chart, with Freida McFadden claiming both the top two spots as readers continue to devour her addictive thrillers. 1. The Tenant – Freida

A free two-day programme designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their first steps into business is returning to Cushendall next week, offering a rare opportunity for local people to turn ideas into action. Grow the Glens , in partnership with Catalyst Belfast , will host its second Hello Possible event at the Cushendall Innovation Centre on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March. The initiative is aimed at anyone who has ever considered starting their own business — or simply

Football fans across Ballymena are set for a rare treat this summer as two of Celtic’s most iconic figures, John Hartson and Jackie McNamara , come together for a special live event at the Tullyglass House Hotel. Taking place in June, An Evening with Celtic Legends promises a night of stories, laughter and behind-the-scenes insight from two players who helped define a successful era for the Glasgow club. A night of stories, silverware and survival John Hartson, who joined Cel

Steam engines, vintage tractors, classic lorries and historic vehicles will gather at Raceview Mill this St Patrick’s Day as enthusiasts recreate a working display of “yesterday’s machines” in one of County Antrim’s most historic settings. Organised by the Traction Engine Club of Ulster, the special vintage showcase will take place on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 11.00am until around 3.00pm , bringing together collectors and the public for a celebration of engineering heritage

From gripping crime novels to children’s favourites and bestselling thrillers, Waterstone’s Ballymena has revealed its latest Top 10 bestselling books alongside exciting new arrivals, children’s storytime and upcoming book club meetings. The weekly round-up from the Ballymena bookshop highlights the titles currently flying off the shelves, as well as the newest releases readers should keep an eye out for. This Week’s Top 10 Bestselling Books Leading the chart this week is And

Families across the borough are being invited to a magical spring adventure as Dobbies Garden Centres partner with DreamWorks’ popular children’s show Gabby’s Dollhouse for a special free event next month. The themed Little Seedlings Club workshop will take place on Saturday 4 April at Dobbies stores in Antrim and Lisburn , offering children a fun-filled hour of crafts, discovery and Easter-themed activities. A spring adventure for young gardeners The event will transport ch

Belfast city (Pic: K. Mitch Hodge) Visitors heading to Belfast for St Patrick’s Day celebrations are being urged to plan ahead, with police warning that several major events will bring traffic disruption across the city centre. A packed schedule of festivities on Monday will see thousands gather for the popular SPAR Craic 10K and the annual carnival parade, prompting road management measures and diversions throughout the day. Police say motorists should expect delays and foll

Competitors demonstrating traditional horse ploughing during the Ballycastle & District Horse Ploughing Society’s annual St Patrick’s Day match — the only all-horse ploughing event still held in Ireland. One of Ireland’s most remarkable farming traditions is set to return this St Patrick’s Day as the Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Society prepares to stage what is believed to be the last remaining all-horse ploughing match in Ireland. The annual event, expected to t

Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast is pictured as the world-leading visitor attraction welcomes an original lifejacket worn by a female survivor which will be on public display for a limited time. (Pics: William Cherry/Press Eye) A rare lifejacket worn during the sinking of the Titanic will go on public display in Belfast, offering visitors a powerful and personal connection to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. The artefact, worn by T

A special event at Stormont will bring together survivors and families affected by terrorism to mark European Day for Victims of Terrorism, with powerful personal testimonies set to highlight the lasting human cost of violence. The annual commemoration, organised by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), will take place in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings at 11am on Monday 9 March, with refreshments available from 10:30am. Announcing the event, TUV MLA Timothy Gaston sa

A consultation is launching on the proposed site of mix use development on former publicly owned land at Ballee Playing Fields, in Ballymena . A new chapter in the long-running debate over the future of Ballee Playing Fields in Ballymena is about to begin, after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council approved a Planning Application Notice (PAN) for a major mixed-use development on the site. The land off Ballee Road West — formerly owned by the council — could be transformed into

(L-R): Tracy Duffy (City of Derry Airport), Breige Mulholland (Air Ambulance NI), Carlus McWilliams (H&A Group), Steve Frazer (City of Derry Airport), Ian Crowe (Air Ambulance NI Trustee), Mareanne Bradley (H&A Group), Martin Collins (H&A Group) and Maressa McWilliams (City of Derry Airport). An airport runway will once again become a racetrack for a life-saving cause this spring as runners and walkers prepare to take on the Air Ambulance NI 5K Runway Run at City of Derry Air