Engines roar to life for Ballymena Steam Rally at new venue this weekend

Love Ballymena
Jul 25
2 min read

Image: Ian Boyd

Popular heritage event returns on 26th July with a full weekend of vintage attractions, thrilling competitions, and family fun at Woodside Road site

Steam, sparks and vintage spectacle return to Ballymena this Saturday, 26th July, as the much-loved Ballymena Steam Rally rolls into a new venue adjacent to Ballymena Livestock Market, located at 1 Woodside Road, Ballymena, BT42 4QJ.

Running from 10am to 5pm, this year’s event promises a vibrant celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich mechanical heritage. But before Saturday’s main Rally begins, the weekend kicks off in style with a special Friday night Steam Run and Road Runs, featuring dozens of vintage vehicles taking to the roads in convoy.

Friday Night Steam Run – 25th July

The Friday evening programme begins at the Rally Field with two key highlights:

5.00pm – Ferguson Hydraulics Workshop Demonstration
6.30pm – Steam Run and Road Runs depart from the Rally Field

The Steam Run will see majestic steam engines make their way along Raceview Road to 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church, offering a stirring sight — and sound — for onlookers along the route.

Simultaneously, other vintage and classic vehicles will take a scenic route via Woodside Road, Lisnahilt Road, and Rathkeel Road, returning through Broughshane Village.

By 8.00pm, all vehicles will return to the Rally Field, where the evening continues with food and entertainment for participants and visitors alike — a fitting prelude to Saturday’s full-scale event.

Saturday’s Full Line-up of Activities:

From 10am to 5pm, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, mechanical marvels, competitions and traditional craftsmanship. Highlights include:

Fairground Organ Medley and engine steaming-up from 10.00am
Tractor Pulling Heats, Lawnmower Racing, and Spark Plug Vehicle Demo
TECU Big Saw Wood Cutting, Corn Thrashing, and Green Wood Turning
Seven Towers Irish Dancing Displays at 12.00pm & 1.30pm
Blacksmithing Demonstration – Forging a Poker
Roof Shingle Cutting at 2.30pm
Parade of Themed Vehicles at 3.00pm
Finals and Prize Presentations from 3.30pm
Rally Closes at 5.00pm

Family Fun and Heritage on Display

This year’s Rally features a broad array of attractions:

Free Bouncy Castles
Majestic Steam Engines
Live Music – vintage fairground organ to modern favourites
Working Demonstrations – threshing, sawing, stone crushing & more
Stationary Engines & Spark Plug Vehicles
Competition Lawnmower Racing and Tractor Pulling
Trade and Craft Stands

Classic vehicle lovers can also look forward to a display of iconic models, with this year’s feature themes including:

Triumph Cars – celebrating 140 years
VW Bugs and T2 Transporters – 75th anniversary
Fordson E27N – marking 80 years
Crawler Tractors – all types welcomed

A true celebration of engineering, culture and community

The Ballymena Steam Rally continues to be one of Northern Ireland’s most popular heritage events. Organisers say the new site beside the Ballymena Livestock Market allows more space and accessibility, with easier access for exhibitors and attendees.

Whether you’re into vintage engineering, historic vehicles, traditional crafts, or just looking for a fun family day out, this two-day celebration offers something for everyone.