An estimated 6,000 revellers will pack into the town's Showgrounds over the course of the three-day event which starts today.

A huge marquee will cover the Co Antrim football pitch – which last week hosted the Ballymena Show – as it is transformed temporarily into a concert arena for the 'Fuel 09' event.

Headlining the musical showpiece are artists including David Crowder, David Ostby, Starfield and Kevin Max.

On the fringes, attendees will be addressed by keynote speakers including Chris Seay and Nate Larkin.

With the recent good spell of weather, organisers are hopeful this year's event will not be subjected to adverse elements.

Last August, the concert fell on the wettest day possible with participants forced to move from the Ecos Centre to an indoor venue due to heavy rain which caused major disruption across Northern Ireland.
Volunteers behind the second music festival in the Province are aiming to appeal to all denominations in Northern Ireland through the medium of music.

Speaking to the News Letter while making final preparations, Gordon Montgomery said everyone will be welcome at the event which will offer an introduction to "modern and contemporary" Christian music.

"Fuel is all about the best Christian music coming to Northern Ireland.

The Fuel 09 team is dedicated to offering a weekend of the best and most exciting musical talent out there whilst impacting our culture," he said.

"Our aim is to reach the wider community in Northern Ireland and introduce more people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music."

"The music goes across the divide and is not denominational."

Concert organiser Paul McNeilly believes the concert will offer a quality event for Christians to invite their friends to.

He was also full of praise for the support he and fellow organisers had received.

"This is a big undertaking and a step of faith for us. We could not have got this far without God's help, provision and the faithful support of Christians who share our vision," he said.

Fuel is a non-profit making organisation with the sole purpose of promoting the Gospel through the form of music and the arts.

Due to the large numbers expected from across the island of Ireland, on-site camping will be provided at the Ballymena venue over the course of the weekend.

Tickets for the festival are available at www.fuelevents.com or by telephoning 028 2563 9467.