Ballymena festival typically takes place during the months of February and March in the beautiful Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, and it provides a wide-ranging opportunity for performers at all stages and levels of music, speech, drama, and dance. Our festival aims to showcase talent and foster a love for the performing arts. A final Gala celebration evening also highlights performances from various classes across the festival, bringing together the diverse talents showcased throughout.

Click to view the 2025 Syllabus

2025 Provisional Dates

Saturday 1 February: Irish Dance Confined

Saturday 8 February: Traditional Music

Monday 10 February- Saturday 15 February: Irish Dance Open

Monday 17 February- Saturday 22 February: Vocal Music

Thursday 20 February- Saturday 1 March: Speech & Drama

Monday 24 February- Saturday 1 March: Instrumental Music

Saturday 1 March: Gala evening

Thursday 6 March- Saturday 15 March: Modern Dance

Saturday 31 May- Modern Dance Championship