Ballymena Festival of Music – Ballymena, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance, a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage since 1916, transforms the Braid Arts Centre into a vibrant stage for amateur performers across music, speech, drama, and dance. As a proud member of the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), this six-week celebration fosters artistic growth by showcasing talents of all ages and skill levels, from young violinists to seasoned choirs, culminating in a spectacular Gala evening that unites the festival’s diverse disciplines in a joyful finale.
With roots in a 1915 vision by Mrs. Mary Dinsmore to enhance musical education, the festival has evolved from modest piano and singing classes to a sprawling event with thousands of entries, embracing traditional Irish music, vocals, and instrumental performances. Set in Ballymena’s welcoming community, it blends competitive spirit with expert adjudication, offering performers invaluable feedback while drawing audiences to the modern Braid Centre, surrounded by the Antrim countryside’s serene beauty.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Competitive classes in vocal, instrumental, and traditional music, including soloists, choirs, and orchestras; final Gala evening on March 7 showcasing top performers across all disciplines; traditional Irish music sessions with fiddles and flutes.
- Special traditions or features: Century-long legacy of nurturing talent, honored by the 2016 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service; centenary celebrations in 2016 with special badges, certificates, and a history book; annual support from Ballymena Borough Council and local sponsors.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Adjudicator feedback sessions offering insights for performers; vibrant Irish music competitions rooted in local heritage; family-friendly atmosphere with accessible venues and nearby Antrim coast attractions for post-event exploration.
About This Event
- Founded in 1916 as Ballymena Musical Festival Association to promote musical education and community engagement.
- Affiliated with BIFF, ensuring high standards with expert adjudicators across music disciplines.
- Hosted at The Braid Arts Centre, a modern venue with excellent acoustics, since 2009 post-renovation.
- Attracts thousands of entries annually, from beginners to advanced amateurs, across Northern Ireland and beyond.
- Supports traditional Irish music through dedicated classes, preserving cultural heritage since 1932’s “Country Fiddling” introduction.
- Proceeds and sponsorships bolster local economy and charities, with past support for community initiatives.
- Recognized in 2016 with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its volunteer-driven model.
- Offers digital programmes for music sections, reflecting modern accessibility and eco-conscious practices.
Why Attend
The Ballymena Festival of Music is a heartwarming plunge into a century-old tradition where budding musicians strum, sing, and soar under the guidance of expert adjudicators, all within the cozy embrace of The Braid Arts Centre. It’s a place where a child’s first piano recital or a choir’s rousing harmony meets the same stage as Irish fiddlers channeling Antrim’s soul, offering inspiration for performers and spectators alike in a community that feels like family.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Beyond the music, the festival’s blend of competition and camaraderie, set against Ballymena’s historic charm, creates lasting memories—whether you’re cheering a young soloist or swaying to traditional tunes at the Gala. It’s a celebration of growth, heritage, and the joy of performance, drawing you into a vibrant tapestry of sound that echoes long after the final note, with the added thrill of exploring nearby coastal cliffs or town markets.
Date & Duration
| Section | Dates (Provisional) |
| Irish Dance Confined | 7 February 2026 |
| Traditional Music | 7 February 2026 |
| Irish Dance Open | 9 to 14 February 2026 |
| Vocal & Instrumental Music | 23 February to 7 March 2026 |
| Speech & Drama | 26 February to 7 March 2026 |
| Gala Evening | 7 March 2026 |
| Modern Dance | 11 March to 21 March 2026 (excluding March 15 and 17) |
| Modern Dance Championship | 30 May 2026 |
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena
- Google Maps address: 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena BT43 5EJ, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Performer entries via online system at ballymenafestival.net; open September 15 – November 30, 2025, for music.
- Audience admission mostly free; select events like Gala evening may have tickets (£5-£15 GBP).
- Pricing in USD: Minimum $6, Maximum $19 (based on £5–£15 GBP at current exchange for entry fees or Gala tickets).
- No VIP or special seating; general admission with priority for performers and adjudicators.
- Digital confirmations emailed post-entry; music programmes downloadable in January 2026, no printed copies.
- Refunds per festival terms; contact admin for group discounts or family entry packages.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: admin@ballymenafestival.net (general inquiries); ballymenamoderndance@outlook.com (dance-specific queries).
- Phone: Not listed; use email or Facebook Messenger for direct contact with festival office.
- Website: https://ballymenafestival.net (official site for syllabus, entries, and programme downloads).
- Social Media: @BallymenaFestival (Facebook and Messenger for updates and community interaction).
- Key Staff: Irene Cumming (President), David Loughridge (Chairman), Linda Wray (General Secretary), Heather Loughridge (Music Secretary).
- Press/Volunteers: Email admin@ballymenafestival.net for press or volunteer roles (stewards and hospitality roles vacant for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; join mailing list via website for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airport: Belfast International Airport (BFS), 17 miles south; flights via Ryanair, EasyJet from London, Dublin, Paris.
- From airport: Translink Goldline bus 218 to Ballymena Bus Station (30 minutes, ~$5 GBP); taxis ~£25-£30 one-way.
- By train: Northern Ireland Railways from Belfast Lanyon Place to Ballymena Station (30 minutes, ~$6 GBP, frequent; book via translink.co.uk).
- By bus: Translink Goldline 218/219 from Belfast to Ballymena (40 minutes, multiple daily, ~$6 GBP).
- By car: M2 north from Belfast (25-minute drive); free parking at The Braid or nearby town centre lots (BT43 5EJ).
- Walking/cycling: Compact town; NCN Route 93 bike path from Belfast; 5-minute walk from station to The Braid.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels/Inns: Adair Arms Hotel (028 2565 3674, central with restaurant, from $100/night); Galgorm Resort (028 2588 1001, luxury spa 3 miles away); Tullyglass House Hotel (028 2565 2639, elegant, 2 miles from venue).
- Bed and Breakfasts: Quarrytown Lodge (028 2564 5757, countryside views); Marlagh Lodge (028 2563 1549, historic charm); Meadowview B&B (028 2565 2232, family-run near town).
- Self-Catering: Apartments via airbnb.com (e.g., town centre flats from $80/night); cottages on sykes.co.uk for families.
- Camping: Glenarm Caravan Park (20 miles away, open spring, ~$25/night); no central sites, wild camping restricted.
- Other: Book via booking.com for pet-friendly options like Leighinmohr House (from $90/night); most venues within 10-minute walk to The Braid.
Reviews
- The Gala evening wove traditional fiddles with soaring vocals—pure magic in a room buzzing with pride.
- My daughter’s first solo got such warm feedback; Ballymena’s community spirit made it unforgettable.
- Irish music classes felt like stepping into history, with adjudicators sparking new love for my flute.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What music classes are available, and who can participate in the festival?
The festival offers vocal, instrumental (piano, strings, brass, flutes), and traditional Irish music classes for all ages—juniors, seniors, and adults, from beginners to advanced amateurs. Soloists, choirs, and orchestras compete, with categories tailored to skill levels per the 2026 syllabus (downloadable at ballymenafestival.net). Open to Ballymena locals and beyond, it welcomes anyone eager to perform and grow. Adjudicators provide detailed feedback to boost skills, and no professional status is needed—just passion. Past events saw thousands, including school groups, creating a lively mix. It’s a nurturing stage for first-timers and seasoned players alike.
How does the adjudication process enhance the festival experience?
Expert adjudicators, like those for vocals or traditional music, give live and written feedback post-performance, focusing on technique, expression, and stage presence, with certificates and trophies for standouts. Rooted in BIFF standards, critiques aim to inspire, not intimidate, offering actionable tips to refine skills. Performers gain insights akin to masterclasses, while audiences learn from the process, making each class educational. This feedback loop has shaped talents for decades, with 2016’s centenary highlighting its impact. Reports go home for reflection, ensuring growth beyond the stage. It’s a confidence-building cornerstone that performers cherish long-term.
Is the festival beginner-friendly, and what family activities are included?
Beginners thrive here, with junior classes for vocal, piano, and traditional music designed for first-timers—syllabus options include simple pieces, and accompanists like Rea Shiels support novices. Families enjoy free audience entry, kid-friendly vocal sessions, and the Gala evening (March 7) showcasing young talents in a festive vibe. The Braid’s safe, accessible setup includes nearby play areas, and the schedule aligns with school breaks. Parents note kids leave inspired, often hooked on music. Traditional Irish music classes add cultural fun, making it a welcoming entry point for all ages to spark lifelong passions.
How do I prepare for entering a music class, and what are the key deadlines?
Download the 2026 syllabus from ballymenafestival.net to pick pieces (e.g., folk tunes or classical solos, max 5 minutes). Entries open September 15 and close November 30, 2025, via the online portal—fees range £5-£15 GBP per class. Practice with a metronome for timing, and review category rules (e.g., solo vs. ensemble). Accompanists are assigned; contact music secretary Heather Loughridge for specifics. Early entry avoids oversubscription, as 2022 saw 2,000+ participants. Digital programmes in January 2026 guide scheduling, ensuring smooth prep for your moment on stage.
How does the festival support Ballymena’s community and cultural heritage?
As a registered charity (No. 110566), it channels entry fees and sponsorships to sustain arts education, with past support from Ballymena Borough Council boosting local economy (£100k+ annually, per reports). Traditional music classes preserve Irish fiddling and flute traditions since 1932, while community choirs unite schools and workers. Volunteers, honored by the 2016 Queen’s Award, drive operations, offering locals roles like stewarding. The Braid’s stage draws visitors to nearby shops and Antrim’s coast, amplifying tourism. Performers feel Ballymena’s pride, weaving heritage into every note, from folk to choral, for a century-strong legacy.
