£150,000 festive lighting boost announced for Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus

Church Street, Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim’s town centres are set to shine even brighter this Christmas thanks to a £150,000 investment in festive lighting announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

The Department for Communities is providing £135,000, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council contributing an additional £15,000 towards the new Festive Lighting Scheme.

The funding will support the installation of new and enhanced seasonal lighting across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors, and shoppers during the festive period.

Minister Lyons said:

“This investment will help transform our town centres into bright, attractive destinations that celebrate the festive season and support local economic activity. By enhancing the physical environment, we’re not only boosting civic pride but also helping our businesses thrive during one of the most important times of the year.”

The initiative aims to build on last year’s introduction of 10-metre artificial Christmas trees, further enriching the festive look and feel of the borough’s town centres.

Town-by-Town Improvements

In Ballymena, new lighting will be installed on lampposts along Castle Street and Bridge Street, with additional features planned for Alexander Street, Meeting House Lane and Linenhall Street.

Larne’s Main Street and Upper Main Street will see larger and more striking festive lighting displays, designed to enhance the town’s visual appeal and encourage greater footfall.

In Carrickfergus, the iconic Clock Tower will be illuminated and Christmas lights added along the Marine Highway promenade. A new festive lighting trail will also be created in Shaftesbury Park, running from Saturday 6 December to Thursday 11 December 2025.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the announcement, saying:

“This significant investment will ensure our Borough shines brighter than ever, creating a magical atmosphere for residents and visitors alike this festive season. These improvements are about more than lights – they’re about supporting local businesses, boosting footfall, and bringing communities together in the true spirit of Christmas.”

The Festive Lighting Scheme forms part of the Department for Communities’ wider strategy to revitalise urban spaces and promote community engagement across Northern Ireland.