NEWS

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

Families arriving at hospital in moments of crisis are being offered small acts of comfort thanks to a community initiative — but supplies are now running low. Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) has issued an urgent appeal for donations to help replenish its “comfort packs”, which are given to relatives who unexpectedly find themselves staying with a seriously unwell loved one. These packs, made up of basic everyday essentials, are designed to ease the immediate s

Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after two sheep were found dead in what is believed to be a deliberate act in the Glenarm area. Officers in Larne say the incident, reported on Tuesday, 17 March, has caused concern within the rural community, with early indications suggesting the animals were not killed by another animal but intentionally targeted. Describing the incident as “senseless and extremely cruel,” police are now seeking the public’s help to piece

Safety concerns raised by local residents have prompted action at a rural junction in north Antrim, with confirmation that improvements are now on the way. North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has welcomed a response from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), outlining planned measures to improve visibility and safety at the junction of Glenleslie Road and Moneyduff Road, Clough. The move follows representations made by Mr Frew after constituents highlighted ongoing worries about th

Pictured are Oliver Mars of Milwaukee Tools, Noah Downie, a Northern Regional College student, first-year Electrical Installation apprentice and Regional Skill Build finalist, and Iain McCart, Lecturer in Electrical Installation at Northern Regional College. Northern Regional College is set to bring a unique, hands-on industry experience to Ballymena next month after becoming the first college in the UK to host the Milwaukee Tools Roadshow. The global power tool manufacturer

The local team outside KFC Ballymena before litter pick A team of local fast-food workers has swapped fryers for refuse bags—and come out on top—after KFC Ballymena was crowned litter-picking champion in a nationwide clean-up effort. During this year’s Great British Spring Clean, 11 team members from the KFC restaurant at Larne Road Link took to the streets of Ballymena, collecting an impressive 14 bags of rubbish in a determined bid to tidy their community. Local pride shine

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Leader Jon Burrows MLA, with party colleague, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA Northern Ireland must continue to show up on the global stage or risk being left behind, Ulster Unionist Leader Jon Burrows MLA has said, following what he described as a “high impact” visit to Washington DC aimed at promoting the region’s economic and strategic strengths. Representing both Northern Ireland and his party in the US capital, Burrows positioned the trip a

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

The Ross family at The Showgrounds – home of Ballymena United A heartfelt community effort led by Ballymena United supporters has raised an extraordinary £90,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, transforming personal tragedy into a life-saving legacy. The fundraising campaign, launched in memory of lifelong fan Lydia Ross, has united players, staff, and supporters of the Sky Blues — and even rival clubs — in a show of solidarity that continues to resonate across the Irish

As spring arrives this week, dog owners across Ballymena are being urged to stay alert — with a warning that some of the season’s most popular flowers could pose a serious risk to pets. Dogs Trust Ballymena  has issued a timely reminder ahead of Friday, 20 March, highlighting the hidden dangers lurking in gardens, parks and woodland areas as blooms begin to flourish. While longer days and warmer weather are a welcome change, the charity says common spring plants — including d

Schools in Ballymena are calling for urgent, coordinated action after last summer’s unrest left classrooms empty, families fleeing, and some of the area’s most vulnerable children gone for good. At the centre of the appeal is a stark statistic: the equivalent of an entire classroom — 26 pupils — missing at the start of the September 2025 term following disturbances linked to so-called “anti-migrant riots” in Ballymena and Larne. Speaking ahead of the Ulster Teachers’ Union (U

Police step up speed enforcement in rural areas including Townhill Road, Portglenone after concerns were raised over speeding vehicles and child safety Fresh police action targeting speeding drivers in Portglenone and The Grange has been welcomed as a “necessary message” to protect children and residents, following growing fears over road safety in the area. TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald has praised the PSNI for carrying out speed enforcement activity in The Grange and Townh

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford. A night of generosity and community spirit in Ballymena has delivered a major boost for two life-changing charities, with more than £5,000 raised at the Mayor’s annual charity ball. Hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford , the event brought together over 140 guests at Galgorm Resort and Spa on Saturday, 14 March, in support of Chest Heart & Stroke and Nor

Wrightbus manufacturing facility in Ballymena A major boost for Ballymena’s manufacturing sector has been announced after global bus maker Wrightbus was ranked the number one supplier on a key UK public sector procurement platform. The recognition places the Ballymena-based company at the top of the list for operators and local authorities purchasing buses and coaches with 36 seats and above, reinforcing its growing reputation as a leader in both zero-emission and traditional

Entrance to Ballymena Park & Ride off Princes Street A major new park and ride development at Ballymena Train and Rail Station has been given a boost of confidence after local MLA Paul Frew secured key reassurances from Translink over access and parking concerns. The project — which will deliver 387 additional spaces — had sparked questions among residents about whether existing facilities would be affected. However, Frew has confirmed that both current parking and pedestria

Ross Lorimer of Lakeland Dairies presents a scholarship award to Ballymena student Megan Ross at the CAFRE Industry Support event. Students from Ballymena, Portglenone and Toomebridge have been recognised among the next generation of agri-food talent, securing bursaries and scholarships at a major industry-backed awards event in Cookstown. The presentation, hosted at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, saw significant financial backing from leading agri-food businesses awarded to student

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his recent visit to Northern Ireland. North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed confirmation that 55 new electric buses will be built in Ballymena for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, describing the investment as a major vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector and workforce. The buses will be produced by Ballymena manufacturer Wrightbus, with the order forming part of

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

Galgorm Collection has announced a new sponsorship partnership with the Antrim Camogie Minor squad. Sean Kelly, Antrim Camogie Public Relations Officer is pictured with Tiarnán O’Neill, Chief Financial Officer at Galgorm Collection and some members of the Antrim Camogie Minor squad.   A new partnership between Galgorm Collection and the Antrim Camogie Minor squad is set to provide a significant boost for the county’s rising players as they prepare for the season ahead. The h