Ballymena set for huge 400th birthday celebration with parade, music and free family fun

Ballymena is preparing to celebrate a major milestone this Saturday as the town marks its 400th anniversary with a packed day of parades, live entertainment, history, music and free family activities expected to draw large crowds into the town centre.

From community groups and youth organisations taking part in a colourful town parade, to live performances in People’s Park and historical re-enactors bringing centuries of local history to life, the celebrations are designed to showcase the people, culture and community spirit that have shaped Ballymena over four centuries.

The large-scale celebration takes place on Saturday 23 May and is expected to become one of the biggest civic events held in Ballymena in recent years, with organisers encouraging families, residents and visitors from across Mid and East Antrim to come together for what is being described as a “fantastic afternoon celebrating Ballymena 400”.

Town parade to launch celebrations

The day begins with a celebration parade through Ballymena town centre starting at 10.30am.

The parade will set off from Church Street Car Park 2 before travelling through the town centre, bringing together local organisations, community groups, sports clubs and youth organisations representing Ballymena’s diverse and inclusive community.

Organisers say the event is intended to celebrate not only the town’s history, but also the generations of people who continue to shape Ballymena today.

With large crowds expected along the parade route, the event is likely to bring a busy atmosphere to the town centre throughout the morning as residents gather to mark the historic anniversary.

People’s Park transformed for afternoon of family entertainment

Following the parade, celebrations will continue in People’s Park from 12 noon until 4pm, with organisers promising a wide-ranging programme of entertainment and activities for all ages.

Visitors can expect:

• Live music performances from local acts and musicians

• An artisan market

• A children’s fun fair

• Walkabout entertainers and juggling shows

• Face painting and sensory play activities

• Storytelling sessions

• A climbing tower

• Barrel rides

• A petting farm

• History talks

• 17th century and Second World War re-enactors

The event is free to attend and organisers say the aim is to create a celebration that appeals to every generation, from young children to older residents reflecting on Ballymena’s past.

Throughout the afternoon, the park is expected to become the centrepiece of the town’s 400th anniversary celebrations, combining live entertainment with heritage displays and family attractions.

Local performers and entertainers joining the celebrations

A number of local performers and entertainers have also confirmed appearances during the celebrations.

Children’s entertainer Squiggles & Giggles will host storytelling sessions and creative workshops in People’s Park between 12pm and 4pm, including hourly workshops themed around “The Tale of the Castle Cat and the Golden Dragon”.

Families attending will also have the opportunity to create party tower crowns as part of the interactive activities taking place throughout the afternoon.

Meanwhile, local musicians are set to perform live on stage across the event, including a scheduled performance in People’s Par as part of the birthday celebrations.

The strong involvement from local groups, performers and organisations is expected to reinforce the community-focused feel of the anniversary event.

Parking warning issued ahead of busy day

Organisers have also issued an important travel and parking notice ahead of the celebrations, warning that there will be no public parking available at People’s Park during the event.

Visitors are being asked to use nearby town centre car parks instead, while blue badge parking will be available in the car park off Ballymoney Road.

With significant footfall anticipated throughout the day, motorists are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling into Ballymena town centre on Saturday morning and afternoon.

400 years of Ballymena’s history

This year’s celebrations mark 400 years since Ballymena was granted formal borough status in 1626, laying the foundations for the modern town that has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s best-known commercial and community centres.

Ballymena’s history stretches back much further, with evidence of settlements in the area dating back thousands of years, but the town began to develop rapidly in the early 17th century after land was granted to the Adair family by King Charles I.

The borough charter allowed Ballymena to hold markets and fairs, helping transform the town into an important trading hub for County Antrim and the wider north of Ireland.

Over the centuries Ballymena developed a strong reputation for agriculture, textiles, manufacturing and commerce, with the town becoming closely associated with business, entrepreneurship and industry.

The arrival of the railway during the 19th century accelerated Ballymena’s growth, strengthening links with Belfast and the north coast and helping establish the town as a major regional centre for trade and employment.

Ballymena also became known for its deep community identity, sporting tradition and cultural influence, producing figures who achieved recognition across business, politics, entertainment and sport.

Today, Ballymena remains one of Northern Ireland’s largest towns and continues to play a major role in the economy and daily life of Mid and East Antrim, with the 400th anniversary celebrations designed to honour both the town’s rich heritage and its future generations.

Celebrating four centuries of Ballymena

The anniversary celebrations are intended to mark 400 years since Ballymena’s historic foundations, while also reflecting the town’s continued growth as one of Northern Ireland’s key commercial and community centres.

Saturday’s programme combines heritage, entertainment and community participation in an effort to celebrate both Ballymena’s past and its future.

For many families, community organisations and local performers involved, the event represents a rare opportunity to take part in a landmark civic celebration centred around the town itself.

With good weather forecast and crowds expected throughout the day, organisers say they are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike for what promises to be a lively and memorable celebration of Ballymena’s 400th birthday.