Bluebells, fairies and family fun set for Portglenone Forest as FREE spring festival returns
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Families across Ballymena and the wider area are being invited to enjoy a free day of outdoor fun later this month as the Portglenone Bluebell Festival returns to Portglenone Forest on Saturday 25 April, celebrating one of the area’s most striking spring displays.
Running from 11:00am to 3:00pm, the festival promises a full programme of activities built around the annual arrival of the forest’s bluebells, transforming the woodland into a colourful spring attraction for visitors of all ages.
The free event is designed as a full family day out, blending nature, music, movement, play and learning in what organisers describe as a “beautiful, nature-filled day out for the whole family”.
Set against the backdrop of the forest in full bloom, visitors can expect live music, guided activities, children’s entertainment and opportunities to meet local nature organisations.
A full day of woodland activities
Organisers say the event will offer all-day activities throughout the forest, with something for every age group.
Families can enjoy:
den building
planting and crafts
face painting
pop-up play
children’s activities
creative crafts
opportunities to meet the fairies
guided nature walks
orienteering adventures
The festival’s woodland setting is expected to be a major draw, with the bluebell season typically transforming parts of Portglenone Forest into a carpet of vibrant blue and purple.
Visitors are being encouraged to spend the day exploring, relaxing and enjoying the natural setting.
Whether families want to take part in organised activities, enjoy the music, or simply walk through the bluebells, the event has been planned as a broad community celebration of spring in one of the area’s best-known beauty spots.
Live music and special guests
Music will play a central role throughout the day, with performances from Portglenone CCE and Maguire Music, giving the event a strong local community feel.
Festival organisers have also confirmed a range of special guests and local organisations will be attending, including:
Portglenone Enterprise Group
RSPB
DAERA
NI Badger Group
Wildlife Rescue NI
Fun with Fossils
BugLife
Their presence will give visitors the chance to learn more about wildlife conservation, biodiversity and the work being carried out to protect local habitats and species across Northern Ireland.
Guided sessions throughout the day
Several scheduled activities are set to run at specific times.
A Wild Yoga session will take place at 11:30am and again at 1:00pm, offering visitors the chance to relax among the trees.
Attendees planning to take part are asked to bring their own yoga mat.
For younger visitors and families looking for adventure, orienteering will run all day, with participants invited to use a map to locate hidden markers throughout the forest.
A Nature Wander led by Forest Service is scheduled for 12:00pm, focusing on the bluebells and the wider woodland environment.
The guided walk is expected to give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the seasonal floral display and the forest’s wider ecological importance.
Travel and parking arrangements
Visitors are being reminded that there will be no general parking available on site at Portglenone Forest during the event. Instead, parking will be available from Portglenone Marina, where a free shuttle bus service will operate to and from the forest throughout the day.
As this is a fully outdoor event, organisers are also advising attendees to wear suitable clothing and footwear for woodland conditions.
With the forest expected to be at its most spectacular as the bluebells come into full bloom, the festival is likely to draw families, walkers and nature lovers from across Ballymena, Mid and East Antrim and further afield.
Bringing together live music, children’s activities, wellbeing sessions and hands-on wildlife experiences, the day promises a memorable spring outing and a rare opportunity to enjoy one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful woodland displays at its seasonal peak.
At a glance
Free Portglenone Bluebell Festival takes place Saturday 25 April
Event runs from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Portglenone Forest
Family-friendly outdoor event celebrating the bluebells in bloom
Includes live music, crafts, den building and face painting
Guided yoga sessions at 11:30am and 1:00pm
Nature wander at 12:00pm
Orienteering available all day
No on-site parking
Free shuttle bus from Portglenone Marina