Ballymena brings the style! Sold-out fashion show draws over 200 guests and raises £1,340 for Turning Point NI
Models (ACA) who lit up the catwalk on Friday night at the Ballymena Fashion Show
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Ballymena Town Centre took centre stage on Friday evening as more than 200 fashion enthusiasts gathered for a sold-out Autumn/Winter Fashion Show, celebrating local retailers while raising £1,340 for charity.
Returning to The Braid on 9 October for its fourth year, the popular event brought together independent boutiques, department stores and high street favourites to showcase the fashion and accessories available across the town centre.
The evening also delivered a welcome boost for local charity Turning Point NI, with a raffle supported by donations from Ballymena businesses raising £1,340.
Ballymena retailers take to the runway
Host Rebecca McKinney
Radio presenter and stylist Rebecca McKinney returned for her second year as host and stylist, bringing this year's theme, 'Romanticising Autumn/Winter', to life through a collection of seasonal looks.
From everyday outfits and wardrobe staples to statement pieces and accessories, the runway highlighted the variety of clothing and styles available from Ballymena retailers for Autumn/Winter 2026.
The fashion show, organised by Ballymena BID and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has become an annual opportunity to celebrate the town's retail offering and encourage shoppers to discover businesses on their doorstep.
Guests also embraced the occasion, arriving in their own Autumn/Winter outfits and adding to the atmosphere throughout the evening.
Best Dressed winner celebrates in style
Best dressed winner at Ballymena Fashion Show, Lynn
Among the highlights was the announcement of the evening's Best Dressed winner, Lynn, who received a £150 Ballymena Gift Card and a bouquet of flowers.
The prizes were sponsored by the Ballymena Gift Card and Flowerworks, recognising the style and effort guests brought to the occasion.
Town centre businesses praised for their contribution
Lesley McCaughan, of Follow Coffee and Chair of Ballymena BID's Marketing Group, welcomed the enthusiastic response to the fourth annual event.
(L-R) Best dressed winner Lynn pictured with Carleen Smyth Tower Centre, Lesley McCaughan Follow Coffee.
She said:
“There’s something really special about seeing a packed room of people excited about fashion and, more importantly, seeing Ballymena Town Centre absolutely shine.
“What a night! The atmosphere was fantastic, the fashion was incredible and Ballymena retailers really showed just how much style and choice we have right here in the town. Seeing it all come together on the runway and the reaction from the audience was just brilliant.
“And now we want everyone to keep that feeling going. Romanticise your Autumn/Winter wardrobe. Take your time browsing. Try things on. Meet someone for coffee or lunch. Discover a shop you haven’t been in before and make a day of it in Ballymena Town Centre.
“A huge thank you to every retailer who took part and trusted us with their collections, and to everyone who joined us and made Ballymena’s fourth Fashion Show another sell out. Ballymena, you looked fabulous!”
Mayor highlights Ballymena as a shopping destination
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, also praised the collaboration between local businesses and the opportunity to promote shopping in Ballymena.
He said:
"It is fantastic to see local businesses come together and showcase the fashion available in the town centre.
"I hope everyone enjoyed the fun and excitement of the show and has identified items and gifts to purchase in Ballymena, a retail hub which offers plenty of choice."
Local businesses support guests and charity raffle
Everyone attending received gifts from local show sponsors
The evening offered more than a catwalk experience, with every attendee receiving a LOVE Ballymena tote bag gifted by Love Ballymena.
Beauty and wellbeing retailer Rituals also continued its longstanding support of the event, sponsoring the guest goodie bags for the fourth consecutive year.
Having backed the Fashion Show since its inaugural event, Rituals received special thanks from Ballymena BID for its continued contribution to the popular guest experience.
And the treats didn't stop there! Travelmax generously gifted every guest a £50 holiday voucher, while many of the participating retailers offered exclusive post-show discounts, special offers and vouchers, giving guests even more reason to continue their Autumn/Winter shopping in Ballymena Town Centre.
These fabulous extras were all tucked inside a gold envelope within each goodie bag, ready for guests to enjoy after the show.
The charity raffle was another significant part of the evening, with local businesses donating prizes to support Turning Point NI.
(L-R) Nicola (Turning Point), Rebecca McKinney (Host), and Trudi (Turning Point).
Ticket sales raised a total of £1,340, with all proceeds going to the local charity. The organisers thanked businesses for contributing prizes and guests for supporting the fundraising effort.
Celebrating the future of Ballymena Town Centre
Ballymena BID extended a special thank you to Rituals for their continued support, alongside Love Ballymena, Travelmax and all the participating retailers who contributed to making the goodie bags such a popular part of the Fashion Show experience.
Now in its fourth year, the Fashion Show continues to provide a platform for local businesses to present their collections to an audience keen to explore what Ballymena has to offer.
Clare Moore (middle) pictured with Next representatives
Beyond the catwalk, the organisers hope the enthusiasm generated by the event will encourage people to spend time browsing local shops, visiting cafés and restaurants, and supporting the town centre throughout the Autumn/Winter season.
With another sell-out event completed, the focus now turns to translating that enthusiasm into continued support for Ballymena's retailers and hospitality businesses in the months ahead.
