Hugh Jackman surprises Galgorm staff as hospitality group celebrates major year of growth

Pictured at Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party are, from left, Laura Millar, Leah Harrison, Jade Strain, Kelly Kane and Katherine Baillie. 

One of Northern Ireland’s biggest hospitality employers has rewarded hundreds of staff with a major gala celebration after another year of expansion — with a surprise video message from Hollywood star Hugh Jackman becoming one of the highlights of the night.

Around 450 employees from across Galgorm Collection gathered at Galgorm Resort for the company’s annual black-tie gala ball, held to recognise staff contribution following what the business described as another strong year of growth.

The event, titled Galgorm Presents: The Greatest Show, transformed the resort’s Great Hall and Renaissance Suite into a large-scale celebration for team members from across the Collection’s expanding hospitality portfolio.

Staff were treated to a complimentary three-course dinner and drinks reception as the company marked the work of employees who help deliver guest experiences across its hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues.

Hollywood surprise for staff

Australian actor, Hugh Jackman recorded a video message to show his appreciation for the team following his stay in the River Maine Suite at Galgorm in 2025. The video was shown during Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party.

One of the biggest moments of the evening came when Australian actor Hugh Jackman appeared in a specially recorded video message played during the event.

Jackman, best known for playing PT Barnum in The Greatest Showman, thanked and praised the Galgorm team after previously staying in the River Maine Suite at Galgorm Resort last year.

The video tied into the evening’s “Greatest Show” theme and drew a strong reaction from staff attending the event.

The appearance of the internationally recognised actor added an unexpected celebrity touch to a celebration focused largely on recognising local workers behind one of Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing hospitality brands.

Galgorm Collection continues to expand

Adam Strange, Zak Moore and Jack Strange pictured at Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party.

Galgorm Collection has significantly expanded its hospitality footprint and workforce over the past decade, becoming a major employer within the local economy.

The company now operates across multiple hospitality and tourism locations and continues to grow its presence in Northern Ireland’s tourism sector at a time when hospitality businesses remain under pressure from rising costs and recruitment challenges.

Its annual gala event forms part of the company’s wider focus on reward and recognition for staff, with senior management highlighting the role employees play in maintaining guest experience standards across the Collection.

Pictured at Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party are, from left, Matthew Mailey, Zac McCallum, Lewis Lynch, Frazer Breyden and Zak Guy.

Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said the success of the business was built on the commitment of its workforce.

“We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our team members. Their care and commitment are what enable us to deliver memorable experiences for our guests every day,” he said.

“As the Collection continues to grow, it’s important that we take the time to recognise and reward the people who make that success possible.

“A very big well done to all our team members — I’m really looking forward to seeing all our future achievements.”

Major local employer

Having fun at Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party are Ruplal Sharma and Borey Sem. 

Dan Solomon, Claudia Ifrim, Silvia Isac and Cristina Adascalitei enjoying Galgorm Collection’s annual staff party. 

The continued growth of Galgorm Collection carries significant local economic importance, particularly within Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area where hospitality and tourism remain key employers.

The business supports jobs across a wide range of sectors including hospitality management, food service, spa and wellness, events, maintenance, housekeeping and administration.

Its ongoing expansion also reflects the increasing role tourism and destination hospitality play within Northern Ireland’s economy, with resorts and visitor experiences becoming an increasingly important draw for domestic and international visitors.

The annual gala celebration not only recognised staff achievements over the past year, but also reinforced the company’s ambition to continue growing its hospitality presence in the years ahead.