NEWS

Motorists across the UK are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to their highest level in more than three years and further increases expected in the days ahead. The latest data and analysis from the RAC paints a stark picture for drivers, particularly as households prepare for the busy Easter travel period. Diesel drivers hit hardest According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams , diesel users are bearing the brunt of the surge. “Given how many re

A newly refurbished luxury bathroom showroom has opened its doors in Antrim, offering homeowners and trade professionals a fresh wave of inspiration — and time-limited deals to match. Watershed, part of leading builders’ merchant MacBlair, has officially unveiled its upgraded showroom within the MacBlair Antrim branch, showcasing modern design trends and practical solutions for bathroom projects of all sizes. To mark the relaunch, customers can take advantage of exclusive in-

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

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

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

A major €40million funding programme aimed at transforming communities and strengthening relationships in Mid and East Antrim, across Northern Ireland and border regions is now fully open — offering local groups a rare chance to turn ideas into real-world impact. The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme will provide grants of up to €100,000 for grassroots initiatives designed to bring people together across communities and borders, with a strong focus on building lasting

The Easter countdown has officially begun—and for local baking favourite Jill Stewart, that means one thing: a show-stopping dessert packed with one of the season’s most loved treats. Her Mini Egg Cheesecake is already proving a hit, combining creamy indulgence with the unmistakable crunch of chocolate mini eggs—making it an ideal centrepiece for family gatherings across Ballymena and beyond. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, the recipe captures exactly wh

Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards winners are pictured with our sponsors, Mayoress Mrs Allison Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, Communities Minister Lyons and Claire McCollum. Impressive achievements, a historic first, and even a world record set the tone for a standout night as Mid and East Antrim’s finest athletes were celebrated at the 2026 Sports Awards. Held at the Galgorm Resort in Ballymena and hosted by Claire McCollum, the event brou

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

Kevin Traynor, celebrating 45 years with Pilgrim’s Europe pictured at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration event in Belfast. A County Antrim lorry driver with 45 years of service has taken centre stage at a major celebration honouring decades of dedication across Pilgrim’s Europe sites in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Kevin Traynor, from Ballymoney, was among 90 employees recognised at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration, held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. To

A vital community lifeline in Cushendun has been safeguarded for the year ahead after a major funding boost of nearly £20,000 was awarded to support its future. Cushendun Building Preservation Trust (CBPT) has secured £19,997 from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All programme, ensuring the Old Church Centre — now the village’s only year-round accessible community venue — can continue to thrive throughout 2026. With the recent closure of the Parochial Hall, t

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

Saoirse Stacey and Oran Masterson with Irish Minister Michael Healy-Rae at Carrigduff National School, Bunclody, Wexford at the launch of the AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme. Primary schools across County Antrim are being urged to step beyond the classroom and become leaders in farm safety, as a nationwide initiative opens for enrolment ahead of an April deadline. Irish Rural Link has launched its AgriKids Farm Safety Ambassador School Programme, inviting sch

(L-R) Investors John Demakas and Chris Fechter on a visit to Carrickfergus, pictured with local Alliance councillor for Knockagh, Aaron Skinner Mid and East Antrim councillor Aaron Skinner (Knockagh) has led the praise for Carrick Rangers after a landmark weekend that brought 150 American investors to Carrickfergus—shining an international spotlight on the town and its football club. The visitors, part of a wider group of more than 2,200 investors backing the club, travelled

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

Antrim & Newtownabbey Crematorium There were 1,407 cremations at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s crematorium during 2025, the latest figures show. Of these, 491 were residents and 916 were non-residents. The figures were detailed in a bereavement services quarterly update presented behind closed doors at last month’s meeting of the council’s Operations Committee. The highest monthly total occurred in January 2025, when 143 cremations were recorded. The committee rep

North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland pictured in Ballycastle Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed Ballycastle’s latest accolade as Northern Ireland’s best place to live, calling it a proud moment for the community and a reflection of the town’s unique spirit. The north Antrim seaside town secured the regional title in the 2026 edition of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live, standing out ahead of Dundrum and Ormeau in south Belfast — both of which were also recognis

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

Jim Allister MP takes to the platform at the TUV’s annual conference in Cookstown Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister has delivered a scathing and wide-ranging critique of the Northern Ireland political landscape, warning that the region is being “sleepwalked out of the United Kingdom” under the current system. In a combative conference speech, Allister targeted the Windsor Framework, Stormont’s functioning, rival unionist parties, and the UK Government—framing the

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