Ballymena Cultural Directory

Browse the directory

What is this website?

Ballymena Borough Council in collaboration with The Braid Arts Centre and a local web designer/film-maker have created this cultural directory to showcase the cultural groups and the wealth of creative talent within the Ballymena area in the following categories.

  • Alternative
  • Art
  • Artist
  • Children's Art
  • Choral
  • Comedy
  • Crafts
  • Cultural
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Historical
  • Jewellery
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Textiles
  • Visual Arts
Browse the directory

Showcase film

We commissioned a film to be made during the Ballymena Arts Festival in 2013. We believe it gives a good taster of the depth of arts groups within Ballymena

More Videos

Ballymena Chamber Orchestra0:42

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

Linen Exhibition1:14

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

Streetwise Community Circus 0:39

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

Real Music Club 1:10

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

Young Conquerors Flute Band 0:31

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

Cullybackey Pipe Band 1:12

Filmed in the Braid Arts Centre during the Ballymena Arts Festival 2013.

How it works

The Directory

Find something that interests you

Maybe you are interested in joining a particular group or club or perhaps you have an interest in some area of the arts. Just browse through our directory using the filters until you see something that interests you and then click on the 'tile' to find out more about the group. When and where they meet?, how they started?, how much it costs? Who to contact?

Search the Directory

Join in the discussion

We have a forum where you can join in the conversation about any of the groups in our directory. Some of the individual groups also have a commenting section that allows you to interact with other visitors or ask questions. We will monitor the forums and comments and try and get back to you as soon as we can.

Join in the conversation
The Forum
Social Media

Follow us on our social media pages

Keep up with all the latest by following, liking, sharing or interacting with us using some verb we have not mentioned. If you are well versed in social media then you will get the idea, if you are not then ask your grandkids for a quick '101'

Discover how to Follow us

What they say?

  • Lord Puttnam of Queensgate / CBE

    "Ballymena's Creative Citizens Programme is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the Arts."

  • Liam Neeson / OBE, Freeman of Ballymena

    "Ballymena and the Borough have always had a deep creative 'pool' in all the arts. It's wonderful and, personally, exciting for me that this pool is being tapped into and explored by this wonderful creative alliance. I'm very proud of you all!"

  • Carál Ní Chuilín / Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland Executive

    "In many cases arts begins at grass-roots level and wouldn't be successful without the support of the many voluntary and amateur arts organisations across the island. Many congratulations to Ballymena Arts Partnership who were runners up and the People's Champion for Ireland for receiving over 3,500 votes online. These are great examples of arts in the community and are truly deserving of this recognition"

  • George Fenton / Award-winning film & TV composer

    "The professionalism and attention to detail was superb. I was looked after by the Braid Film team and council so well. Thank you"

In Association with

Creative Citizens Programme

This pilot project in partnership with Voluntary Arts Ireland, includes a range of regional and local arts organisations. The aim of the Ballymena Programme is to create a local infrastructure that encourages and sustains the creative and cultural lives of local communities.

Download the brochure
The Braid Arts Centre

The Braid weaves together history, arts and culture alongside contemporary conference, tourism and civic facilities on a site that has been for centuries the centre of local civic life. From family activities to special interest events, there's something for everyone.

Find what's on at the braid

Where to find us

Should you wish to come along and see what's happening for yourselves at the hub of the cultural community in the borough

Where to follow us on social media

Very very simple, just click the icons you recognise and then like, share or follow us (you will have to be signed into your own account in the browser, if you don't know what these means don't worry just ask the grandkids!)