Ballymena Festival of Music, Speech and Dance typically takes place during the months of February and March in the beautiful Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, and 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.

2026 Dates [Provisional]

Irish Dance Confined: 31 January

Traditional Music: 7 February

Irish Dance Open: 9 to 15 February

Vocal & Instrumental Music: 23 February to 7 March

Speech & Drama: 26 February to 7 March

Gala evening: 7 March

Modern Dance: 11 March to 21 March (excluding 15th and 17th)

Modern Dance Championship: 30 May