NEWS

The Food Warehouse store set to open in Ballymena Ballymena is set to welcome a major new retail arrival, with The Food Warehouse , part of the Iceland Food Group, preparing to open its newest Northern Ireland store in the town. The Ballymena outlet will be the fifth Food Warehouse location in Northern Ireland, joining existing stores in Newtownabbey, Belfast, Craigavon and Banbridge. Love Ballymena understands the store is expected to open its doors before the end of March 2

The Met Office has issued two consecutive yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across Northern Ireland, warning that prolonged wintry conditions could lead to travel disruption from Friday afternoon through the weekend and into Monday morning. The first warning is in effect from 3:00pm on Friday 2 January 2026 until 12:00pm on Saturday 3 January 2026 , with a second warning following immediately from 12:00pm on Saturday 3 January until 12:00pm on Monday 5 January 2026. Fo

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

Peter Willis will line up in the Pirelli British Sportbike Championship next season, joining the CFMOTO Sportbike team, after many successful competing in the R&G British Talent Cup. Teenage racing prospect Peter Willis has been confirmed as the latest addition to the CFMOTO Sportbike team for the 2026 British racing season, marking a significant step up in his rapidly progressing motorsport career. The 17-year-old rider from Cullybackey, County Antrim, joins the team after s

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

TUV leader Jim Allister MP TUV leader Jim Allister MP has warned that Northern Ireland will enter 2026 facing tighter EU controls, increased costs for businesses and further divergence from Great Britain, as he delivered a hard-hitting New Year message criticising the Protocol, Stormont and unionist rivals. Mr Allister said the new year would “begin where 2025 left off”, with what he described as the continued tightening of European Union restrictions under post-Brexit arr

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across Northern Ireland, with motorists and early-morning commuters urged to take extra care due to the risk of icy conditions and possible travel disruption. The warning is in effect from 00:00 until 10:00 on Friday, 2 January 2026, and covers all six counties of the province — Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone. According to the Met Office, the warning follows a spell of rain, sleet and

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

Tom presenting the Christmas Window Dressing - Hospitality Award to Kim from Shot Coffee Shop Festive creativity and community spirit were centre stage across Ballymena this Christmas as the Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2025 Christmas Window Dressing Competition. Organised by Ballymena Chamber of Commerce , the long-running competition attracted a record number of entries this year, reflecting growing enthusiasm among local businesses to create eye-catchin

George Mitchell, 48, from Harryville, Ballymena Tributes have been paid to Ballymena man George Mitchell, who tragically died in a house fire at his home on Boxing Day. Mr Mitchell, aged 48, lost his life in the incident at a property on Waring Street, which occurred on Friday 26 December. Emergency services attended the scene, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the property. Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries into the circu

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

As the festive season draws to a close, residents in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland are being advised to prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures and the possibility of wintry weather in the coming days. According to the latest forecasts from the UK Met Office, the week from Monday 29 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026 will bring predominantly cold and dry conditions at first, transitioning to more unsettled patterns with a risk of snow toward the latter part of th

Staff, community partners, service users and family members pictured at a celebration event marking 20 years of Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Adult Community Learning Disability Team (ACLDT) is marking two decades of shared progress, partnership and positive change through its Day Opportunities service — a milestone that reflects how support for adults with learning disabilities has evolved to place choice, independence a

A man in his 40s has died following a house fire in the Waring Street area of Ballymena, police have confirmed. Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before 9.45am on Friday 26 December. Police officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the property. In a statement, police said enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing. At this stag

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

Local police officers pictured with members of Harryville Men’s Shed Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Mid and East Antrim stepped in at the last minute to help spread festive cheer, responding to an urgent request “from up North” to support Harryville Men’s Shed in delivering Christmas magic to local children. In a light-hearted nod to the season, officers said it was a call they simply could not refuse. “After all you don’t say no to a man who c

Community Rescue Service (CRS) Central has issued a heartfelt Christmas message thanking its volunteers, their families, supporters and partner organisations for their dedication throughout the year — while confirming crews will remain on call 24/7 over the festive period. As families across Northern Ireland gather to celebrate Christmas, CRS Central has highlighted the quiet but vital work continuing behind the scenes to keep communities safe, even during the holiday season

Police and forensic officers are in attendance today (Wednesday, 24 December) at the scene of a sudden death in Ballymena. Officers were called to a residential property on Moat Road, in the Harryville area of the town, earlier today. The area remains cordoned off while enquiries continue. Witnesses reported seeing police vehicles and forensic personnel at a home in the Moat Road area, prompting concern among local residents. The incident has drawn attention in what is typica

Drumtara estate in Ballee, Ballymena Police have arrested a man following a reported assault in the Drumtara area of Ballymena earlier today (Tuesday, December 23). Officers attended the scene shortly after a report of an altercation involving two men was received mid-morning. Emergency services were called as a precaution, with both men requiring hospital treatment for their injuries. Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “Shortly after 10.30am, officers received a report of two

Mervyn Millar and Jaxon (5) from Galgorm, Ballymena . Families from Ballymena and surrounding areas were among more than 80 Northern Ireland children to enjoy a magical trip of a lifetime to Lapland this Christmas, thanks to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT). Local families from Galgorm, Cullybackey, Rasharkin and Ballymena joined the special journey, which departed from Belfast International Airport on Wednesday 17 December, bringin