Ballymena Modern Dance Festival wins Festival of the Year at The Golden Dance Awards NI 2025

(L-R) Michelle Gilmore, Linda Wray and (seated) Jill Lamberton, representatives from Ballymena Modern Dance Festival organising committee, pick up the award for Festival of the Year 2025 at the Golden Dance Awards NI

The Ballymena Modern Dance Festival has been crowned Festival of the Year at The Golden Dance Awards NI 2025, a glittering event celebrating the very best of Northern Ireland’s dance industry.

The awards ceremony, held on Saturday 4 October at the Culloden Hotel, brought together more than 350 guests from across the region’s vibrant dance community.

Attendees included dancers, teachers, event organisers, dance parents, and supporters, alongside several VIP guests, among them the legendary Angela Rippon, who is widely admired for her longstanding support of the performing arts.

The Golden Dance Awards NI recognise the outstanding people, organisations, and innovations that continue to make Northern Ireland’s dance scene flourish. From ballet to hip-hop, and from traditional to contemporary forms, the awards celebrate excellence, dedication, and community impact across all genres.

A major honour for Ballymena’s dance community

(L-R) Jill Lamberton, Linda Wray and Michelle Gilmore attended the event In The Culloden Hotel on 4th October

This year’s Festival of the Year title was awarded to the Ballymena Modern Dance Festival in recognition of its lasting contribution to nurturing young dancers, promoting artistic expression, and building community engagement through the performing arts.

The Ballymena Modern Dance Festival forms part of the wider Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected cultural events. Each March, the modern dance section takes over The Braid Arts Centre for nine days of competition, creativity and celebration.

The festival is entirely volunteer-run, organised by a dedicated seven-member committee — Pauline Boyd, Carol McKigney, Michelle Gilmore, Jill Lamberton, Linda Wray, Hannah Boyd and Zoe Gilmore — affectionately known within the local arts community as “The Ladies in Green.”

Their tireless work has helped the festival grow into a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s dance calendar, attracting over 1,500 entries each year from studios and independent dancers across the province.

Competitors perform in a wide range of genres — from lyrical and jazz to acro and contemporary — each adjudicated by an accredited adjudicator from the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF).

A testament to volunteer dedication

VIP guest, Angela Rippon (middle) pictured with Jill Lamberton (left) and Michelle Gilmore (right).

Speaking after the award was announced, the organising committee said they were “delighted to have won this prestigious award and are grateful to all within the Northern Ireland dance community who nominated them, and continue to support the festival every year.”

Their win is seen as a testament to the power of volunteerism and community spirit. Despite being run solely by volunteers, the festival continues to maintain professional standards in its programming and adjudication, providing opportunities for young dancers to gain feedback from highly qualified judges and perform in a professional setting.

The event has also been instrumental in fostering friendships and connections across the Northern Ireland dance scene, with many local studios viewing it as a key part of their annual competitive season.

Recognising excellence across Northern Ireland

The Golden Dance Awards NI were established to recognise the outstanding individuals, organisations and events that have made a positive difference to Northern Ireland’s dance culture. Categories span every level of the industry — from dance teachers and schools to events, choreographers, and lifetime achievements.

This year’s ceremony was among the most glamorous to date, featuring live performances, special recognitions, and heartfelt tributes to those who have dedicated their lives to promoting dance across the country.

For the Ballymena Modern Dance Festival team, the award represents more than a trophy — it’s a recognition of years of passion, perseverance, and community support.

Putting Ballymena on theap for the arts

The win shines a spotlight on Ballymena’s cultural vibrancy and its growing reputation as a hub for performing arts in Northern Ireland. The Braid Arts Centre, which hosts the festival each year, has become synonymous with creativity, attracting thousands of visitors and performers alike.

The organisers hope the award will further raise awareness of the festival’s work and encourage even greater participation in future years. With preparations already underway for the 2026 edition, “The Ladies in Green” say they remain committed to fostering the next generation of dancers and providing a platform where young talent can flourish.

As the dance community across Northern Ireland continues to grow, the Ballymena Modern Dance Festival’s latest achievement highlights how much can be accomplished through teamwork, volunteer dedication, and a shared passion for the performing arts.