Traditional crafts take centre stage as Ballymena celebrates 400 years of creativity

Four centuries of Ballymena’s creative heritage will be celebrated this August as local people are invited to step inside the world of traditional craftsmanship at a free evening showcase featuring live demonstrations, hands-on workshops and an exhibition exploring the town’s rich making tradition.

The Traditional Crafts Showcase, hosted by Midtown Makers Gift Shop on Thursday 20 August, forms part of both Ballymena’s 400th anniversary celebrations and August Craft Month—Ireland’s annual celebration of the craft sector.

Running from 6pm until 8.30pm, the free event offers visitors the chance not only to watch skilled craftspeople at work but also to try a range of traditional techniques for themselves.

Celebrating Ballymena’s craft heritage

Crafter Linda Wray

As Ballymena marks 400 years since receiving its charter, the showcase aims to recognise the generations of craftspeople whose skills, creativity and artistry have helped shape the town’s history and identity.

The event also highlights the continuing importance of traditional crafts within the local community, bringing together experienced makers to demonstrate techniques that have been handed down over many years while encouraging new people to discover and enjoy making things by hand.

The evening forms part of August Craft Month, Ireland’s unique celebration of the craft sector.

Organised through a partnership between the Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI, the initiative is now in its fifth year of encouraging people to learn about, make, experience and buy locally produced craft.

Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops

Visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to take part in interactive taster sessions while learning directly from experienced makers.

The programme includes:

• Felting with renowned felter Shelley Steele, where visitors can transform wool into beautifully felted miniature bowls while learning one of the world’s oldest textile crafts.

Amanda Jones

• Crochet with Amanda Jones, who will introduce beginners to the basic crochet stitch and demonstrate the foundations needed to continue learning the craft.

• Aran knitting with Linda Wray, who will demonstrate the timeless skill of creating a traditional Aran cardigan using the distinctive cable patterns and stitches associated with the Aran Islands.

• Bobbin lace making with Yvonne Parker, Nora Evans and Patricia Cummings from Ards Bobbin Lace, giving visitors the opportunity to try a basic stitch using a practice pillow while also viewing intricate examples of finished lacework.

• Sewing with Irish linen with Sally White, who will share practical sewing techniques, offer tips for using a sewing machine and demonstrate working with one of Northern Ireland’s best-known traditional textiles.

Exhibition celebrates four centuries of craftsmanship

Shelley Steele demonstrating felting

Alongside the live demonstrations, visitors will be able to explore an exhibition charting the history of crafts in Ballymena and the role local makers have played in the town’s development over the past 400 years.

The exhibition reflects how traditional skills have evolved through the centuries while continuing to influence Ballymena’s creative identity today.

To complete the experience, visitors will also be able to enjoy locally handmade sweet treats prepared using traditional recipes.

Recognising the importance of local makers

Midtown Makers Gift Shop was established in 2014 by Ballymena Business Centre as a town centre regeneration initiative designed to support Northern Ireland’s growing arts and crafts sector.

More than simply a retail space, Midtown Makers provides a place where local artists, designers and makers can showcase and sell their work, connect directly with customers and help strengthen Ballymena’s creative community. Visitors, meanwhile, can discover unique handcrafted gifts while supporting local talent.

‘A unique community event’

James Perry, Chairperson of Ballymena Business Centre, said the showcase is an important part of marking Ballymena’s 400th anniversary.

“As we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Ballymena it is important that we recognise the importance of the craft industry in the development of our town. This Showcase of traditional crafts being held at our Midtown Makers Gift Shop, as part of our ongoing Ballymena 400 programme of activities, promises to be a unique community event, definitely an occasion not to be missed!

Sewing

“Ballymena Business Centre is delighted that this joint initiative with BID, Council and DfC is taking place in our premises at Midtown Makers, right in the heart of Ballymena. We look forward to welcoming you along and joining in the celebration of this very special anniversary for our town.”

More workshops throughout August

The Traditional Crafts Showcase is just one of several activities planned at Midtown Makers during August Craft Month.

Additional workshops throughout the month will include an acrylic painting session led by Midtown Makers artist Ursula Meehan, alongside a screen-printing on clay workshop where participants can create their own ceramic bunting under the guidance of Midtown Makers member Áine McGuckin Ceramics.

Shelley Steele felting

These workshops continue the wider aim of August Craft Month by encouraging people not only to appreciate handmade craft, but also to develop new creative skills themselves.

The Traditional Crafts Showcase takes place at Midtown Makers Gift Shop, 51–53 Church Street, Ballymena BT43 6FH, on Thursday 20 August 2026, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Admission is free, giving visitors an opportunity to explore Ballymena’s craft heritage, meet local makers and discover the creativity that continues to shape the town 400 years after its foundation.