About
Ballymoney Spring Fair is making a return to the town on April 19th & 20th - with free family-friendly activities and lots of carnival colour to look forward to.
Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, this year’s action-packed event is set to be the best yet, with new venues in the town centre and an even bigger choice of have-a-go attractions on offer.
Look out for vintage cars, live music, dance displays and a showcase of our best artisan produce or indulge in some retail therapy with many of the town’s independent boutiques and businesses offering Spring Fair special offers.
The Tea Dance in Ballymoney Town Hall returns on Friday afternoon (April 19th), as well as dog friendly entertainment and activities on Saturday (April 20th). Church Street is also set to be bigger than ever on the Saturday – you won’t want to miss it!
On Friday, FUSE FM will host live music and entertainment at Castlecroft Square featuring a host of local bands and musicians while Saturday’s highlights include performances from local dance groups.
The fun continues on Saturday with a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment. The Church Street experience is back for 2024, where you can browse the shops while enjoying live music, children’s animation, walkabout characters and a variety of outdoor games.
Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will transform Castlecroft Square in the town centre from 11am – 4pm on both Friday and Saturday. A pop-up market will be on Church Street on Saturday, creating a buzz at the top of the town. Previous winners of the UK’s Best Community Market, this collective of makers and creators offers everything from knitwear, jewellery, paintings, woodcraft and photography to some of the tastiest artisan food products.
Animal lovers can visit the free petting farm at Seymour Street car park, where attractions include a variety of interesting animals and creatures. Take the opportunity for a close encounter with a range of birds of prey, with a fun falconry experience for the whole family to enjoy.
A Quiet Time session will run in the morning from 11am to 12noon, for individuals with additional needs. There is also a new space for individuals with additional needs at St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Old School Yard on Saturday (20th) from 12pm to 4pm.
At Castlecroft, look out for balloon modelling, children’s craft workshops and Animated Street Theatre from 12noon - 3pm.
Visitors can enjoy a programme of performances from dance troupes throughout the town.
To accommodate ever increasing visitor numbers, Seymour Drive will host the hugely popular free family games and activities on Saturday from 12noon - 4pm.
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Vintage and Classic Car Show with Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club at Station Square from 12noon, showcasing a range of restored vintage vehicles, then joining the carnival parade at 3.30pm. Old time cars will join the spring-themed spectacle of music and colour, setting off from the Town Hall and travelling along High Street, Main Street and Meeting House Street.
FULL EVENT PROGRAMME
FRIDAY 19TH APRIL
10.30am – 4pm Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre
Free Sampling of our local Award Winning Artisan Food producers in partnership with Seasons of the Glens.
11am – 1pm Ballymoney Town Hall
Spring Fair Tea Dance - No booking needed, disabled access, entertainment and refreshments.
12pm – 4pm Ballymoney Museum
Museums Service Kids Area
Castlecroft Square
11am – 4pm - Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
12pm – 4pm - FUSE FM will host an afternoon of musical entertainment at Castlecroft Square
1.30pm – 3pm - BBC Radio Ulster live outdoor broadcast with Hugo Duncan
3pm – 4pm - FUSE FM will close the Fair - Castlecroft Square
SATURDAY 20TH APRIL
11am – 12 noon Quiet Time for Individuals with Additional Needs at Seymour Street towards the Station.
Mobile Animal Farm, Binevenagh Bushcraft, Falconry, Carnival rides.
11am – 4pm Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre
Free Sampling of our local Award Winning Artisan Food producers in partnership with Seasons of the Glens.
11am – 4pm Castlecroft Square, Ballymoney
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market - Market featuring Arts, Crafts and Artisan Produce held in conjunction with The Fuse Centre and FUSE FM. Find a diverse mix of local produce, crafts and art for sale including some of the very finest mouth-watering foods, unusual quirky intricate crafts and exquisite art.
Balloon Modelling and Animated Street Theatre
Musical Entertainment at Castlecroft: hosted by CJ Entertainments/Fuse FM DJ
12noon - 12.30pm – Kelly Neil opening the fair with Maypole dances
12.30pm - 2.30pm – Ritchie Remo
2.30pm - 3pm – Kelly Neil Maypole and dances
3pm - 4pm – CJ entertainments close the day
11am – 4pm St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Old School Yard (Area for Individuals with Additional Needs)
Quiet viewing area for the parade, outside games, soft/gentle music, crafts/colouring, teddy bear picnic and treasure hunt.
11am – 4pm Church Street
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market
CJ Entertainments/Fuse FM DJ
Children’s Craft Workshops – with Woolly Wild Folk and Linda Mullholland
Circus Skills
12noon – 3pm Taggart’s Yard
Dog Agility Shows at 12pm and 2pm
‘Have a Go’ Dog Agility at 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Environmental Services Hub including hands on interactive experiences
12noon – 3pm Station Square at Ballymoney Train Station
Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club – Vintage & Classic Car Show. Free Admission.
DJ and Vintage Tractors
11am – 4pm Activities at Seymour Street Car Park (Free Admission)
Pirate Ship, Carousel, Bumper cars, Hook a Duck, Mini Golf
Animal Farm - get up close and personal with a variety of animals and other interesting creatures.
Binevenagh Bush Crafts, Falconry
Walkabout characters and much more!!
3.30pm Carnival Parade & Cavalcade through Ballymoney Town Centre
Route: Townhead Street, High Street, Main Street, Meetinghouse Street, Victoria Street, Linenhall Street, Townhead Street
For more information about the event follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
