Ballymena turns 400 with super summer of family fun, adventures and celebrations planned across the town

A summer of giant games, silent discos, street parties, secret surprises and birthday celebrations is set to transform Ballymena town centre as the community comes together to mark one of the biggest milestones in the town’s history.

This year marks 400 years since Ballymena was granted its charter in 1626, and organisers BALLYMENA BID, in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, are promising an unforgettable programme of events designed to celebrate four centuries of history while bringing families, visitors and local businesses together in the heart of the town.

From interactive quests and family fun days to a major street party and a birthday bonanza on the town’s official anniversary, Ballymena 400 is shaping up to be one of the largest community celebrations the town has seen in recent years.

A summer of super-sized fun begins in July

Those ‘cheeky Minions’ with Ballymena BID manager, Emma McCrea, and colleague Clare Moore

The celebrations begin with the return of Ballymena’s popular Summer Fun Days, which organisers say are going “SUPER” for 2026.

Taking place in Wellington Court from 11am until 2pm on Friday 24 July and Friday 31 July, the Super Fun Fridays programme will feature many familiar favourites alongside a number of new attractions.

Families can expect giant games, face painting and appearances from special guest characters, while organisers have also promised giant inflatable games and a number of surprise activities throughout both events.

Don’t miss the petting farm in Ballymena town centre!

The first event on Friday 24 July will feature a petting farm where visitors can meet a variety of animals alongside character appearances from Lilo, Stitch and Angel.

A week later, on Friday 31 July, the atmosphere shifts from farmyard fun to dancefloor energy with a silent disco taking centre stage.

Visitors will also be able to meet “everyone’s favourite yellow troublemakers” as the Minions make a return appearance in Ballymena town centre.

Town centre adventures will challenge families to solve clues and mysteries

August will see Ballymena transformed into a giant interactive playground as two immersive Adventure Quests take over the town centre.

Running from Wellington Court between 11am and 2pm, with final registrations at 1pm, the events will combine theatre, storytelling, games and live characters to create what organisers describe as “living adventures” across the town centre.

Lilo, Stitch and Angel will be on hand to say hello and grab a selfie!

Families and teams will be challenged to solve clues, complete tasks and interact with characters as they navigate their way through Ballymena.

The first experience, The Secret Towers Quest, takes place on Friday 7 August.

A week later, on Friday 14 August, families can take part in The Strange Worlds Quest, promising another day of mystery and adventure through the streets of the town.

The interactive format is designed to encourage visitors to explore Ballymena town centre while discovering businesses and locations along the way.

Street party will bring the celebrations outdoors

One of the centrepieces of the Ballymena 400 programme will be a major street party on Greenvale Street on Saturday 22 August.

Running from 11am until 2pm, the event is expected to create a festival atmosphere in the town centre as residents and visitors gather to celebrate the historic anniversary together.

Downtown Radio team will be on hand to bring all the sounds and good vibes.

Hosted by the Downtown Radio team and compèred by Kirsty McMurray, the street party will feature live entertainment throughout the day.

Visitors can also expect special guest characters, amusements, face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts activities, games stations and a packed programme of family entertainment.

Organisers say a number of Ballymena businesses will also take part by bringing activities and displays outside their premises to help create a vibrant celebration throughout the town centre.

The event is expected to showcase not only Ballymena’s community spirit but also the strength and diversity of its town centre businesses.

The big birthday celebration arrives on Ballymena’s official anniversary

The celebrations will culminate on Tuesday 25 August with the Ballymena 400 Birthday Bonanza taking place on the town’s official 400th anniversary.

Businesses across the town centre will host special celebrations, incentives and promotions throughout the day, while visitors can look forward to spot prizes and surprise giveaways.

Wellington Court will once again become the focal point of festivities with birthday entertainment, activities and, fittingly for a milestone celebration, plenty of cake.

However, organisers have hinted that some of the biggest plans for the day remain under wraps.

Parts of the programme are currently being kept secret, with further details expected to be revealed closer to the anniversary itself.

For now, residents are being encouraged to save the date and prepare for what promises to be one of the largest celebrations Ballymena has staged in decades.

Celebrating four centuries of Ballymena

The Ballymena 400 programme is designed not only to celebrate the town’s rich history but also to encourage people to rediscover the town centre, support local businesses and create new memories for future generations.

For local families, visitors and businesses alike, the events offer an opportunity to be part of a landmark chapter in Ballymena’s story as the town marks four centuries since receiving its charter.

With family attractions, entertainment and surprises spread across five weeks of summer, organisers are hoping Ballymena 400 will become a celebration worthy of the milestone it represents — four centuries of history and one unforgettable summer in the heart of the town.

Ballymena 400 Summer Events Guide

• Super Fun Friday

Friday 24 July

11:00am – 2:00pm

Wellington Court, Ballymena Town Centre

Ballymena’s Summer Fun Days return with a supercharged twist for Ballymena 400. Families can enjoy giant games, face painting, giant inflatables and plenty of surprises, alongside a petting farm and appearances from special guests Leo, Stitch and Angel.

• Super Fun Friday

Friday 31 July

11:00am – 2:00pm

Wellington Court, Ballymena Town Centre

The second Super Fun Friday brings a party atmosphere to the town centre with a Silent Disco, giant games, inflatables, face painting and special appearances from everyone’s favourite yellow troublemakers — The Minions.

• The Secret Towers Quest

Friday 7 August

11:00am – 2:00pm (final registration 1:00pm)

Register at Wellington Court, Ballymena Town Centre

Gather your team and take part in an interactive adventure through Ballymena town centre. Families will solve clues, complete challenges and meet intriguing characters as part of a live theatrical experience that combines storytelling, games and exploration.

• The Strange Worlds Quest

Friday 14 August

11:00am – 2:00pm (final registration 1:00pm)

Register at Wellington Court, Ballymena Town Centre

A brand new immersive quest transforms the town centre into a world of mystery and adventure. Expect characters, challenges, puzzles and surprises as teams journey through Ballymena on an unforgettable family adventure.

• Ballymena 400 Street Party

Saturday 22 August

11:00am – 2:00pm

Greenvale Street, Ballymena Town Centre

Greenvale Street will come alive with live entertainment, special guest characters, amusements, arts and crafts, games stations, balloon modelling and face painting. Hosted by the Downtown Radio team and Kirsty McMurray, the event promises a fantastic party atmosphere as Ballymena celebrates its historic milestone.

• Ballymena 400 Birthday Bonanza

Tuesday 25 August

Ballymena Town Centre & Wellington Court

On the official 400th anniversary of Ballymena, the town centre will host a day of celebrations including in-store events, special offers, spot prizes, entertainment, birthday activities and plenty of cake. Organisers have also hinted that several surprise elements remain under wraps for what promises to be the biggest celebration of the summer.

Who’s Behind Ballymena 400?

The Ballymena 400 celebrations are being delivered by Ballymena BID in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, with support from the Department for Communities.

All events are designed to celebrate 400 years of Ballymena while encouraging residents and visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the town centre and support local businesses.