GALLERY: Family fun for all ages as Ballymena celebrates its 400th anniversary

Residents of all ages – dressed for both the weather and the historic occasion – enjoyed the colourful Celebration Parade through the town as well as the sights and sounds of performers, artists and entertainers in the People’s Park.

Community groups, local organisations, musicians, sports clubs, schools and businesses came together with the Council to create a day to remember.

Ballymena 400 marks 400 years since the Adair family were granted a patent by Charles I to have the right to hold a free weekly Saturday market and two fairs each year.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said: “Together we are celebrating 400 years of Ballymena. The town we call home has been shaped by four centuries of resilience, innovation, and community spirit.

“This anniversary is not just a marker of time - it is a tribute to the generations of people whose hard work, generosity, and civic pride have shaped Ballymena into the place we know and love.

"Today’s parade showcases the people who make Ballymena. Our community groups, local organisations, sports clubs, schools and business all proudly taking part. Each banner, each uniform, each smiling face represents a story of commitment in our town and a shared belief in our future.

“It’s wonderful to see the town built with colour, with music and community spirit and so many people out enjoying this occasion – and it’s good to see the sun shining as well.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows attended Ballymena’s major milestone and claimed that the town has “a proud history and a bright future”.

He added on social media: “From industry and enterprise to culture, faith and public service, Ballymena has made an enormous contribution far beyond its size.

“People’s Park is still buzzing with with lots of people enjoying the entertainment, food and great weather.

“I was particularly pleased to see the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles included in the military re-enactment. My grandad Stanley Burrows MBE landed on Sword Beach on D-Day with the regiment with his trusty Bren gun “Betsy” and it was therefore especially nice to see a Bren gun on display.

“Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to make today a success. Our fantastic Mayor Jackson Minford was in fine fettle and it was great to see him and the family today.

“Here’s to Ballymena’s future and to working together to make it the best it can be.”

Sea Cadets Ballymena also posted about being involved in the day’s activities.

A post on social media reads: “Today our cadets participated in a parade to celebrate 400 years of our town, Ballymena.

Well done to all our cadets for giving up their Saturday morning, some of which were parading with us for the very first time and did a great job! Well done!”