NEWS

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

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

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) – 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

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

RENDR, the festival widely regarded as the creative meet-up of the year, has confirmed its return to Belfast in 2026 with an all-star line-up featuring some of the biggest names in film, television, gaming, animation and immersive tech. Taking place from 12–13 February at Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast , the two-day event promises “genre-busting technology and creative inspiration” supported by Northern Ireland Screen, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast Cit

As the festive season gets into full swing, Dale Farm has announced its continued support for Northern Ireland’s most celebrated Christmas tradition, renewing its sponsorship of the Grand Opera House pantomime for the ninth consecutive year. The dairy cooperative’s long-running partnership with the iconic Belfast theatre underlines its ongoing commitment to championing the region’s arts sector, while also encouraging family enjoyment and festive togetherness. This year’s prod

Christmas at Castke Ward As winter settles in and festive lights begin to glow across Northern Ireland, the National Trust has announced a packed programme of Christmas events for 2024, inviting families, couples and day-trippers to step into a season of heritage, atmosphere and celebration. From twinkling gardens and historic mansions dressed for Christmases gone by, to festive markets and crisp winter walks, the charity says there is “hundreds of special moments” waiting ac

Antrim Castle Gardens successfully launched its inaugural "Evening of Inclusive Enchantment" this week, offering a serene and supportive environment for adults and children with additional needs to experience the popular festive event, the Enchanted Winter Garden. The historic gardens, located in Antrim, Northern Ireland, sparkled on Thursday, 4th December, as they welcomed families for a special night designed to ensure the magic of Christmas was accessible to all. The initi

WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors have announced a special community event, “The Meaning of Christmas”, which will take place on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 7pm in their Ballymena funeral home (41–43 Mount Street, BT43 6BW). The gathering, open to everyone in the community, is intended to provide a space of peace, reflection, and comfort for anyone who finds the festive season difficult after the loss of a loved one. All voluntary proceeds will be donated to Cruse Berea

Christmas on Castle Street is set to make a joyful return to Ballymena Elim on Saturday 6 December 2025 , offering a warm and welcoming festive celebration for families across the borough. Running from 12 noon to 5pm , the much-loved community event promises a packed programme of activities — and best of all, every attraction is completely free. Pastor Pip Kerr said the church was “delighted to once again open our doors to the community for what we truly believe is the mos

Tom Wiggins, CEO Ballymena Chamber of Commerce, and (L-R) Lauren Kelso from Lauren Kelso Illustrator, Debbie Chestnutt (Good Morning, Ballymena), and Lucinda Graham (Galgorm Melts). The Ballymena Chamber of Commerce is set to launch its first-ever Artisan Christmas Fair next month, offering a festive celebration of local craftsmanship, community spirit, and seasonal entertainment. The free-entry event will take place this coming weekend on Saturday 6 December 2025, from 11am

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is set to bring new festive magic to the borough this December with the launch of the first-ever Carrickfergus Christmas Twinkle Trail. The free family-friendly attraction will run at Shaftesbury Park from Sunday 7 to Thursday 11 December, offering visitors a gentle, glowing Christmas walk filled with illuminated features. Designed especially for young families, the Twinkle Trail will transform the park into a sparkling seasonal experience,

Music lovers across Ballymena are being invited as two of the town’s most cherished musical groups prepare to take to the stage together for a special joint concert this weekend. The Ballymena Young Conquerors Concert Flute Band, the town’s longest surviving musical ensemble with roots stretching back to 1886, will unite with the renowned Seven Towers Male Voice Choir, who celebrated their centenary in 2024. The collaboration promises an uplifting and memorable evening of mus

Escapes is set to close out the year with a nationwide cinematic treat, offering free preview screenings of Eternity, the new romantic fantasy from acclaimed director David Freyne, on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December. The film, distributed by A24, will officially be released in UK cinemas on Friday 5 December. The special previews — screening across more than 100 cinemas including Omniplex Antrim — form part of Escapes’ ongoing mission to make cinema accessible to all audience

Proudly brought to you by Ballymena BID (Business Improvement District) Ballymena Town Centre is gearing up for a magical festive season, unveiling a vibrant programme of family-friendly events, Christmas characters, charity activities and pop-up entertainment designed to bring joy and festive spirit to the heart of the town. With festive shopping, cosy cafés, vibrant bars and restaurants, and a full schedule of December activities, Ballymena is inviting visitors from near an

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is set to usher in the festive season with a series of much-loved Christmas Artisan Markets, celebrating local creativity and offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal shopping in the heart of their town centres. The markets—now a staple of the borough’s Christmas calendar—will feature an array of local producers showcasing artisan foods, festive bakes, handcrafted decorations and unique gifts. Designed to bring communiti

Jingle Fest returns to Emerald Park from November 21st, offering families the perfect festive day out from only €18.00. Emerald Park has announced the much-anticipated return of Jingle Fest for Christmas 2025, unveiling a festive transformation that will see the popular theme park sparkle with lights, seasonal attractions and family-friendly entertainment. Opening on Friday 21 November and running on selected dates until 23 December, the Christmas celebration promises a full

Farmers’ Choir at their 2024 Christmas Concert The Farmers’ Choir is set to bring festive cheer to communities in Kilrea and Ballymena this December, as it prepares to deliver two special Christmas performances filled with music, Scripture and seasonal celebration. The Choir will open its December schedule with a traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Tuesday 2 December at 8pm in St Patrick’s Church, Kilrea . Audiences can expect a reflective and uplifting evening