Pride parade and protest activity set to bring road closures and increased police presence to Ballymena

Motorists and town centre visitors are being advised to expect traffic disruption in Ballymena this Saturday as Mid and East Antrim Pride returns to the town, with road closures, a parade through the town centre and a heightened police presence planned throughout the afternoon.

The event is due to take place on Saturday, June 20, with participants assembling in the Waveney Road area from approximately 1pm before the parade begins at 2pm.

Police have confirmed that a number of roads along the route will be affected as the procession makes its way through the town centre before concluding at around 3pm.

The parade will travel along Galgorm Road towards Pentagon before continuing via Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street and Greenvale Street.

The PSNI has warned that the event is likely to cause some disruption to traffic and has urged members of the public to plan their journeys accordingly.

Increased police presence planned

Officers will be deployed throughout the event, with the PSNI confirming there will be an increased police presence in Ballymena to help ensure public safety.

Police are encouraging everyone attending the event, as well as those visiting the town, to follow the instructions of officers on the ground and to respect others throughout the day.

The force also confirmed that protest activity is expected to take place in the Harmony Hub and Broughshane Street areas.

According to police, the protest activity is anticipated to remain peaceful.

Support for LGBT+ community highlighted

In its statement ahead of the event, the PSNI described Pride as an important occasion for members of the LGBT+ community and for those who wish to show their support.

Police said they want LGBT+ people across Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by the Police Service and to have confidence that any reports of incidents, including hate crime, will be dealt with fairly and respectfully.

The force also highlighted the support available to victims of sexual orientation or gender identity hate crime.

Advice for residents and visitors

People planning to travel through Ballymena town centre on Saturday afternoon are being encouraged to allow extra time for journeys and to anticipate temporary delays while the parade is underway.

With both Pride-related activities and planned protest activity taking place, police say officers will be present to help maintain public safety and facilitate the lawful events scheduled throughout the day.

The parade is expected to conclude at approximately 3pm, after which traffic restrictions are expected to ease as normal movement resumes across the town centre.