Motorfest NI returns to Ballymena Showgrounds as organisers seek sponsors for charity event

One of Northern Ireland’s biggest annual motoring events will return to Ballymena Showgrounds this summer, with organisers now appealing for businesses to help make the charity fundraiser its most successful yet.

Motorfest NI 2026 will take place on Sunday 23 August, bringing together hundreds of cars, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, automotive clubs and exhibitors, alongside thousands of enthusiasts and families from across Northern Ireland.

Organised by the Community Rescue Service (CRS), the event raises vital funds to support the charity’s work in communities across the province.

Supporting lifesaving volunteer work

The Community Rescue Service is a volunteer-led charity that assists the emergency services with searches for missing people, water rescue incidents, flooding and other emergency situations across Northern Ireland.

Announcing this year’s event, organisers said:

“Motorfest NI 2026 is set to be one of Northern Ireland’s biggest automotive events, bringing together hundreds of cars, bikes, trucks, clubs, businesses, and thousands of enthusiasts from across the country.”

They added that the event is “most importantly” a charity fundraiser supporting the Community Rescue Service and helping to raise vital funds for “the incredible work they do in our communities.”

Businesses invited to get involved

As preparations continue, organisers are now looking for businesses and organisations to become event sponsors.

They said sponsors will have the opportunity to showcase their brand to thousands of visitors, gain exposure through the event’s marketing and social media campaigns, network with other businesses and motoring enthusiasts, and demonstrate their commitment to supporting a local charity.

Whether a small local business or a national company, organisers say sponsorship opportunities are available to suit a range of budgets and objectives.

Businesses interested in supporting the event, or those wishing to recommend a potential sponsor, are encouraged to contact the organisers by emailing events@communityrescue.org.

A growing fixture on the local calendar

Motorfest NI has become a popular date on the local events calendar, attracting an impressive mix of supercars, classic vehicles, performance cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and vintage machinery alongside family-friendly attractions.

With the date now confirmed, organisers are expected to announce further details about exhibitors, vehicle clubs, attractions and entertainment over the coming weeks as preparations continue for this year’s event.

For local motoring enthusiasts and families alike, the countdown to one of Ballymena’s biggest automotive gatherings is now underway.