We are always looking at ways to make it easier for you to engage with us at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
We welcome your queries, comments and suggestions. You can contact us directly by telephone on 0300 124 5000
You can visit or write to us at any of the offices listed to the right:
Ballymena (Civic headquarters)
The Braid
1-29 Bridge Street
Ballymena
BT43 5EJ
Carrickfergus Civic Centre 11 Antrim Street
Carrickfergus
BT38 7DG
Larne
Larne Market Yard Station Road
Larne
BT40 3AA
Keep up-to-date
You can keep up-to-date with us on social media. We use Facebook, X and Instagram to share the latest news, events and information from Council.
MEA Borough Council X.com/mea_bc instagram.com/meaboroughcouncil
Alternative Formats
If you would like this publication in an alternative format such as large print, please contact us at communications@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5000
This magazine will also be printed in limited quantities and presented in our main Council offices, plus available to read online at www.issuu.com/meabc
Welcome
Mid and East Antrim Borough has a vibrant arts and cultural programme, which brings you theatre, arts, exhibitions, museums, heritage and more! Experience a diverse range of exciting and acclaimed performances in our many venues. Be Inspired by the wide range of exhibitions in one of our temporary gallery spaces across the borough. Learn new skills in music, performance, dance, arts or crafts. Uncover and engage with the rich heritage of Mid and East Antrim by visiting our three local museums. Keep the whole family entertained, Enjoy seasonal events and make special memories to cherish. We can’t wait for you to visit and experience a land shaped by sea and stone!
Theatre
FREEDOM
DANCE COMPANY:
End of Year Show
Saturday 14 June
12pm & 5pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Freedom Dance Company presents their annual end of year performance, showcasing the talent of almost 200 young dancers with performances in ballet, hip hop, modern, tap, lyrical and musical theatre.
Tickets: £11.50
(Including booking fee)
FREEDOM DANCE
COMPANY: Annie Jr
Saturday 19 July
2pm & 6pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Freedom Dance Company presents their spectacular summer production of Annie Jr. Come along and see 60 incredibly talented young people bring this classic musical to life!
Tickets: £9.50
(Including booking fee)
Suitable for all ages.
VOICEWORKS: Moana Jr
Saturday 2 August 4pm & 7.30pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Voiceworks celebrates ten incredible years of staging amazing musicals in Ballymena! To mark this milestone, we are bringing over fifty talented young performers to the stage in Disney’s Moana Jr. - a heartwarming, highenergy show packed with catchy songs, stunning performances, and an inspiring story of courage and adventure.
Perfect for the whole family, this vibrant production will have you tapping your toes and dreaming of summer seas. Do not miss this special celebration of talent, music, and the magic of theatre! This high-energy production will have you singing along and ready for summer!
Tickets: £16.50 (Including booking fee)
Family Ticket: £56 (Including booking fee)
Suitable for all ages.
COLIN GRAHAM
Colin Graham is an up and coming singer songwriter from County Antrim who’s is just fresh of selling out the limelight in Belfast which was his first headline show in the city. With millions of streams on all platforms Colin has grown his fan base steadily over the past few years with hits such as “Nashvilles On My Mind” and “The Farmer”
Saturday 23 August
Starting 8pm The Braid, Ballymena
Tickets: £16.50 (Including booking fee)
Suitable for ages 16+ and under 16s with parental guidance.
Theatre
Gospel Concert
Saturday 6 September
Starting 7pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Come and enjoy a night of great gospel music with some of Northern Ireland’s best loved gospel singers.
We have a fabulous line up with Rev William McCrea, Sharon Morrison, The Hanna Family and Friends, and Reunited.
Tickets: £16.50
(Including booking fee)
Suitable for all ages.
Here
Comes the Girls
Thursday 18 September
Starting 8pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Get ready to be blown away by the ultimate celebration the most iconic female artists of all time! This multi-diva show is a feast for the senses, featuring the likes of Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Blondie, Katy Perry, Adele, Abba and Bananarama! Get ready to dance, sing and be swept away by the energy and excitement of this spectacular, fastpaced performance.
Tickets: £28 (including booking fee)
Off Your Trolley:
Starring Conal Gallen
Saturday 27 September
Starting 8pm
The Braid, Ballymena
Award winning Comedian, Conal Gallen is bringing his hilarious Comedy Play, “Off Your Trolley”, to theatres across Ireland this Autumn.
“Off Your Trolley” is a rip-roaring, laugh a minute tale of life in a hospital ward! It’s packed with craic, confusion and constant laughter!” Where the story leads?
Nobody knows! Not even the other actors some nights, as in true Conal Gallen style he likes to throw in some new lines just to keep them on their toes!
So why not Join Bridie, Willie, Dick, Betty and the infamous Father “Big Mad Micky” O’Reilly as they show us hospital life, as it has never been seen before. They’ll have you in stitches from start to finish!
Tickets: £26.50 (including booking fee)
Suitable for ages 16+
Cutting Edge Technology: Stone Tools in Prehistory
An exhibition exploring the development of stone tools and the process of knapping, from acquiring the raw material to the finished product.
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
2 Victoria Road, Larne BT40 1RN
E: marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
T: 028 2826 2443
Exhibition
Curran Saw Mill
Monday 2 June - Friday 27 June
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
This mini-exhibition introduces the story of Curran Saw Mills, Larne, that operated from 1927 until 1990 at Portland Road, off Curran Road.
This exhibition is taking place as part of Mid and East Antrim Industrial Heritage Week, 2-7 June 2025.
Northern Ireland
Photographic Association 2025 Exhibition.
Wednesday 25 JuneSaturday 26 July
The Braid, Ballymena
Northern Ireland
Photographic Association Annual Print Exhibition 2025. This prestigious exhibition consists of 80 monochrome and colour photographs representing a diversity of both subject matter and style. The prints on display were selected
from members of Northern Ireland camera clubs. MidAntrim Museum is the first venue in Northern Ireland hosting this exhibition.
Discover more at: : BraidMuseum@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Magheramorne Manifesto
Friday 4 July - Friday 25 July
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Mini-exhibition on the Magheramorne Manifesto of July 1905, featuring material connected to the Independent Loyal Orange Institution and the Manifesto, which was seen as supporting Home Rule, including regalia, the only known photo of Magheramorne Independent Orange Lodge, documents and literature relating to the manifesto.
Journeys Art show –A Plusworlds Event!
Friday 4 July
- Friday 25 July
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
An exhibition by Francis J. The Art show is about journeys of the heart and mind, ranging from reality, to fantasy, with touches of nostalgia, with a traditionalistic and modernist overtone. The art show will portray work over many decades. It covers various mediums from beeswax, photography, digital art, sculpture, cartoons, AI, collage, murals, film, drawings, poetry and painting!
“For a better, fairer, wiser more empathic and caring society bringing good souls together improving the world we live in day by day!”
CURRAN SAW MILL, HERITAGE WEEK
Exhibition
BEFORE THE CASTLE EVENT
Carrickfergus Before the Castle:
The Early Medieval Period (c. 400 – 1169 AD)
Saturday 19 July - Saturday 27 September
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
Most visitors to Carrickfergus are familiar with the history of the Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy and his impressive castle on the shores of Belfast Lough, but what was the area like before the castle and town?
This exhibition explores the rich archaeological evidence for early medieval settlement around Carrickfergus, and places it in the context of early medieval Irish society, from its laws and customs to the early church and the impact of the Vikings.
BEFORE THE CASTLE EVENT
Exhibition launch:
Carrickfergus Before the Castle Saturday 19 July 1.30pm-3.30pm
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
Join us for the launch of a new exhibition exploring the early medieval period. What did life look like here before the castle? Discover more by getting hands-on with early medieval life with our new board game, Cattle Battle! Includes wine reception.
Book today: : 028 9335 8241 : CarrickfergusMuseums@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Rapport:
An Exhibition by Jo Going, Fiona Woods and Amanda Montgomery Friday 1 AugustFriday 29 August Larne Museum & Arts Centre
“Rapport” is an exhibition of work by Jo Going, Fiona Woods and Amanda Montgomery. The artists struck up a rapport after meeting at the Banff Centre for Arts, Canada which has continued over 20 years. The works are diverse in media and approach. What connects them is a shared interest in looking beyond the surface of things, hinting at sacred spaces and complex narratives, invoking the emotions, sensations and longings that arise from the human condition.
Rites of Passage
Monday 11 August - Wednesday 15 October
The Braid, Ballymena
Exploring the key rites of passage of birth; marriage and death and how they have been marked by local people over the last century.
McCausland Collective: Recent Drawings and Paintings
Friday 5 September– Friday 26 September Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Kim, Peter and Mary McCausland present recent paintings and drawings inspired by nature around home. Based in Larne, the family are interested in documenting home from personal photographs and observation. Through drawing and painting they portray three different gazes of things in common, including, people, place,
pets, inanimate objects, flora and fauna.
Kim and Peter are married visual artists and arts educators. Both are alumni of Ulster University, Belfast School of Art. Their work, respectively, belongs in national public, and private collections. Mary is their child. This is her second group exhibition.
Following on from the recent Echoes In The Landscape Exhibition the Journey Back Beyond this free event will further explore our distant past - embellished by music, song and colourful stories from Willie Drennan and David McClean. It will also include a presentation by Edwin Luke - with his brilliant new interactive map showing relevant ancient sites of Mid Antrim and the ancient road from Tara as it weaved its way through Kells, Harryville and Clough en route to Dunseverick. Taking place on the eve of the Summer Solistice.
Discover more at: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Storytime
Saturday 21 June
10.30am - 11.30am
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Join us for a free interactive storytelling session with themed activities based on a children’s storybook.
Discover more at: : 028 28 262443 : marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Suitable for ages 4-11.
JJ’s Fossil Exhibition
Saturday 21 June
11am - 3pm
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
A fascinating glimpse into the Neolithic era through a privately curated collection of genuine artefacts. See pieces dating hundreds of thousands of years. Items are part of a broader collection spanning geological and historical periods.
This is a free drop-in family event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Flint Knapping Demonstration
Saturday 21 June 11am - 3pm
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Travel back in time thousands of years to when stone was the centre of everyday life.
Learn about our first technology and industry and why the ancient craft of flint knapping was so important to life in prehistoric Ireland. Uncover a world that time forgot and see how it will awaken your inner Mesolithic mind!
This is a free drop-in family event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Femina Culpa - A Poetry Event
Join Northern Ireland based poets Linda McKenna, Emma McKervey, Kelly Creighton and Milena Willamson for a reading and conversation based on their recently published poetry events which are inspired by historic cases relating to criminal women. You will also have a chance to learn about Carrickfergus Museum’s gaol project. This event is presented by Carrickfergus Museum as part of the Not So Secret Book Festival.
Book your free space on eventbrite.
midandeastantrim.gov.uk/museums
21 June at 2pm Celebrating
Workshops & Talks
Family Hands:
Quilts and Threads from History. A talk by Dr David Hume
Thursday 26 June
7.30pm - 9pm Larne Museum & Arts Centre
The singer Mary Chapin Carpenter inspired this talk with her song “Family Hands,” which talks about the women who made family quilts in the past. These weavers included the ancestors of Mary Snoddy Black. Mary collected her family quilts, and formed a permanent exhibit in the Mary Black Memorial Hospital in Spartanburg. Discover stories beyond the song and quilts to look at the threads of other families in the area.
Book today: : 028 28 262443
: marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Bank Holiday Fun at The Museums
Monday 14 July - Tuesday 15 July
Mid Antrim Museum, Carrickfergus Museum & Larne Museum and Arts Centre
Enjoy the bank holiday activities at our museums, from Baby Raves, art workshops , circus skills and more.
thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Storytime
Saturday 19 July 10.30am - 11.30am
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Join us for a free interactive storytelling session with themed activities based on a children’s storybook.
Discover more at: : 028 28 262443
: marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Suitable for ages 4-11.
Thursday 24 July, Starting 7pm
Carrickfergus Town Hall
BEFORE THE CASTLE EVENT
The Archaeology of Early Medieval Settlements Talk
Book today: : 028 9335 8241
: CarrickfergusMuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Celtic Scribe
Saturday 2 August
10am - 4pm
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
In this full day course:
• Make your own ink and quill pen
• Learn the Irish calligraphy style used by medieval monks
• Create a calligraphy artwork on real parchment to take home
Tuition provided by craftsman Thomas Keyes, no previous experience necessary Includes foraging visit to Shaftesbury Park.
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Explore early medieval settlements and society in Ireland from an archaeological perspective. Uncover Ireland’s first historically documented period, which saw the arrival of Christianity, literacy, artistic landmarks such as The Book of Kells, the development of monastic centres, the arrival of the Vikings, and the beginnings of urban settlement and much more.
Co. Antrim Revisited: An Early Medieval Settlement at Deer Park Farms
Wednesday 6 August
Starting 7pm
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Join Jacqueline McDowell from Historic Environments Division, as she revisits discoveries made during an excavation in the 1980s in Glenarm valley.
Jacqueline is co-author with Chris Lynn of the Deer Park Farms.
Book today: : 028 9335 8241
: CarrickfergusMuseums@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Early Medieval Trade and Exchange
Tuesday 12 August
Starting 7pm
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Archaeologist Thomas Kerr looks at the significance of trade and imported goods in understanding the period’s settlement patterns and economy. Thomas is co-author of the extensive and comprehensive publication Early Medieval Ireland, AD 400-1100.
Book today: : 028 9335 8241
: CarrickfergusMuseums@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Workshops & Talks
Lace Collage and Embroidery Workshop
Saturday 16 August
10.30am - 12.30pm The Braid, Ballymena
This workshop, led by Sandra Streeter, will guide you through creative processes and hand stitching techniques. Participants will create their own unique artwork. All materials are included.
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Storytime
Saturday 16 August
10.30am - 11.30am
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Join us for a free interactive storytelling session with themed activities based on a children’s storybook.
Book today: : 028 28 262443 : marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Suitable for ages 4-11.
The Houdini Club: The Epic Journey and Daring Escapes of the First Army Rangers of WWII
Saturday 16 August
Starting 2pm US Rangers Museum
We’re launching the latest book by Mir Bahmanyar. Mir explores Carrickfergus, the birthplace of the US Rangers. Their great escape as prisonersof-war earned them the name “The Houdini Club”. Discover the elite combat odyssey of World War II as never told before - drawing on previously unknown sources and exclusive, uncensored interviews.
Reserve your place to attend the event and purchase the book at a special discounted rate.
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
LACE COLLAGE AND EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP
Saturday 24 August - Monday 26 August
Mid Antrim Museum, Carrickfergus Museum & Larne Museum and Arts Centre
Enjoy the bank holiday activities at our museums, from Baby Raves, art workshops , circus skills and more.
Discover more: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Workshops & Talks
Who Created the Irish Townland System?
Thursday 28 August
7pm - 9pm
Carrickfergus
Town Hall
Join us for a fun, interactive session where you will play detective! Explore key evidence from history, language and archaeology. You decide - Is it a native Irish system? Or was it introduced by the Vikings? Or the AngloNormans? Led by language scholar Paul Tempan, this workshop will offer the opportunity to learn about what each culture contributed to medieval Ireland. Delivered as part of the museum programme for the Carrickfergus before the castle exhibition.
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Agnew Poets & Sheriffs:
A Talk By Angeline King Thursday 28 August 7pm - 9pm Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Angeline King unveils the mystery of the Agnew family, the subject of her latest novel, “The Secret Diary of Stephanie Agnew”.Several Agnews lived in Kilwaughter and the Larne area in the 1600s. Among them militiamen working for the MacDonnells, Irish Catholic master poets and Presbyterian landowners who wrote in Scots. For the 400th anniversary of Ballygally Castle, Angeline will reveal special links with Ballygally and the Shaw family.
Book today: : 028 28 262443
Unbroken Covenant: A Book Launch by Dr Samuel Beckton Thursday 4 September 7pm - 8pm Larne Museum & Arts Centre
: marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Dr Samuel Beckton, a historian from Belfast, launches his new book commemorating the centenary of the 1925 Irish Boundary Commission, were he asks “Could Ulster Unionists have controlled a nine-county Northern Ireland, 1920-1945?”
Enjoy a presentation, Q&A session, and purchase signed copies of the book.
Book today: : 028 28 262443
: marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
BEFORE THE CASTLE EVENT
Spinning & Weaving
Sat 13 September
10.30am - 1.30pm
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
Create your own unique piece using a warp and weft loom, led by creative textile artist Tina Enlander. Participants will also be able to have a go at drop spindle spinning and learn about medieval spinning and weaving techniques. Includes touch samples of natural fibres and material.
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Frances Anne
Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry:
A Talk By Mary Watson Sat 13 September 2pm - 3pm Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Historian Mary Watson explores how Frances Anne Vane-Tempest (1800-1865) connected with people across
Europe with her business interests, travels and passion for many residences around Ireland and England. Frances Anne was a successful business manager who played an important role in the development of Carnlough.
Book today: : 028 28 262443 : marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Ogham:
Tales of the Trees
Sat 20 September
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
Vicky McFarland will share Ogham wisdom, tree myths and folklore. Vicky will delve into the archives using the Ogham alphabet and share stories that our medieval ancestors had at the heart of their culture. Hear new stories using Irish, Ulster mythology, folklore and fairytales. Includes art activity and tree art.
Session 1 11am - 12.15pm Ages: 12+
Starts at Shaftesbury Park, finishing at Carrickfergus Museum.
Session 2 2pm - 3.30pm, Ages: 6 -12 yrs
Carrickfergus Museum
Book today: thebraid.ticketsolve.com
Early Medieval Food and Drink: A Culinary Experience Friday 26 September Starting 7pm Carrickfergus Town Hall
Archaeologist, Dr Cormac McSparron delves into diet in early medieval Ireland. Participants will sample a range of dishes to whet the appetite and try homemade mead.
Seasonal Events
Learning Disability Pride
Saturday 21 June
Carrickfergus
Learning Disability Pride is a vibrant event celebrating the achievements and contributions of those with learning disabilities. Event is returning for 4th year. It’s a day to celebrate and for people with a learning disability to show society that with the right support, anything is possible.
Hit the Coast Festival
Date coming soon! Larne and Carrickfergus
Over 60 international, national and local street artist will be hitting the Coast in Larne and Carrickfergus Town Centres creating a wealth of exciting street art this summer. Watch them create amazing works of art and enjoy family fun entertainment this August.
Funded by Department of Communities and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Theatre In The Park: Pride and Prejudice
Wed 20 August
Carrickfergus, Shaftesbury Park
Thurs 21 August
Ballymena, People’s Park
Gates open 6.30pm, show starts 7.30pm
The award-winning outdoor theatre company ‘Illyria’ is set to visit Mid & East Antrim with an exciting production of Pride and Prejudice this summer.
Following seven sell-out seasons of this sparkling adaptation, award winning Illyria returns to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the show!
HIT THE COAST COMING SOON
General Information
How to Book
Tickets for theatre shows, talks and events can be booked in person, by telephone or online. It is important that you mention any special requirements to our staff when booking - we will be pleased to assist you in any way we can. Tickets cannot be reserved without payment.
To book online, please visit: shapedbyseaandstone.com/whats-on
Call the box office on: 028 2563 5077
In person:
The Braid, Bridge Street, Ballymena BT43 5EJ.
Box Office is open Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm, and Saturday 9am - 5pm.
Box Office is also open at least one hour before shows commence. Please note that Box Office is normally closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Terms & Conditions
Booking Fees
Please note that tickets booked online or by telephone for theatre performances are subject to a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket. Booking fees do not apply to tickets purchased in person at Box Office, and are waived
Data Protection
when booking tickets for groups of 10 or more. Please note that advertised ticket prices include a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket.
Refunds/Exchanges
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded unless a performance is cancelled. On some occasions, at the discretion of The Braid management, it may be possible to exchange tickets to an alternative performance and/or date. Please note that such exchanges will require at least 72 hours’ notice prior to the original performance date, and will incur a 10% handling fee. Booking fees are non-refundable in the case of exchanges; booking fees are only refundable if a performance is cancelled.
Discounts
Discounts available will vary for different shows, and are often available online as well as via Box Office. For many performances a discount is offered for group bookings of 10+. If you are entitled to any advertised discounts, you must request this at the time of booking. Restrictions may apply
Personal information will only be collected and/or processed by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council in accordance with the GDPR and Data Protection Act. When you book for an event your contact details will be added to the Box Office ticketing system. This is for administration and marketing purposes. From time to time the list is used to keep you informed about Arts & Culture shows and events, but details are never shared with third parties. When booking tickets, you will have the choice whether to opt-in to receive marketing information. Any financial information necessary to complete your booking is processed securely and encrypted on the Box Office ticketing system. Council’s Privacy Notice can be viewed here: midandeastantrim.gov.uk/privacy-notice
to discounts, and proof of eligibility may be required at the time of booking or upon entry to the theatre. Discounts cannot be added retrospectively to any tickets already purchased.
Accessibility
• Access for wheelchair users.
• Allocated wheelchair spaces for all theatre performances. If you require one of these please advise us at the timing of booking.
• Induction Loop System.
• Easy to read signage and Braille signage.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.
• Accessible toilets fitted with grab rails, sink lever operated taps, low level mirrors and pull cord alarms.
• Lift access to all floors.
• Quiet spaces.
• Free companion ticket for customers who require essential assistance to attend events.
Please let us know of your accessibility needs when booking or in advance of your visit so that we can assist you in the best possible way.
Adult content
Some theatre performances, exhibitions or events contain adult content and are therefore suitable for over 18s only. Any elements of our programme that contain adult content will be highlighted in this guide and online.
Children
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and for theatre performances must hold a valid ticket. Children will only be admitted if the content of the production is deemed to be suitable. Children under the age of three will not normally be admitted to theatre performances, except to productions specifically aimed at children. In exceptional circumstances a Babe in Arms ticket is available from Box Office.
Support acts
If information on support acts is available, we will inform customers of this in advance, but on occasions this may not be possible.
Car parking
Details of relevant nearest car parking facilities are included overleaf.
Accuracy of Information
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of the events listed in this guide and online. Mid & East Antrim Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Please always check dates and times when booking tickets as mistakes cannot always be rectified at a later date.
House Rules
In addition to these Terms & Conditions, a number of House Rules also apply when attending a theatre performance. House Rules are printed on your ticket and are available online and at Box Office.
Venue Information
Mid Antrim Museum at The Braid & Braid Arts Centre
