Thousands turned out to watch Mid and East Antrim Pride bring a burst of colour to Ballymena, with a peaceful parade, upbeat atmosphere and the cheeky slogan “Spread love, not slurry” underlining why this small town’s Pride matters. It was a vivid, visible moment of community and confidence.

Essential Takeaways

  • Large turnout: Hundreds attended the parade and after-party, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere.
  • Peaceful procession: Despite extra police and road closures, the event passed off without incident and felt safe and orderly.
  • Route: The march moved from Galgorm Road through the town centre via Pentagon, Mill Street and William Street, ending on Greenvale Street.
  • Context: Organisers leaned into last year’s slurry attack with the tagline “Spread love, not slurry,” signalling resilience and humour.
  • Practical: Road closures were in place and police warned of disruption, so locals advised planning travel around the parade times.

Opening Hook: a colourful, cheeky comeback

Ballymena’s Pride looked and sounded like a small town having a big moment, a compact parade that felt both joyous and defiant, with banners, music and families lining the route. The slogan “Spread love, not slurry” , equal parts witty and pointed , summed up the mood: upbeat, unbowed and keen to reclaim public space.

Backstory and why it mattered

Organisers were responding to a grim reminder from last year, when slurry was deliberately spread along the parade route the night before the inaugural event. Police treated that as a hate crime and charged a 19‑year‑old in connection with criminal damage and other offences. So this year’s turnout felt like reassurance, a collective answer from residents and visitors that Pride belongs in Ballymena.

What the parade looked and felt like

The march set off at 2pm and threaded through the town centre , Galgorm Road, Pentagon, Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street and Greenvale Street , before people kept the party going. There was an increased police presence and a few road closures, but the atmosphere was relaxed, with families, friendship groups and onlookers enjoying the colour and music.

How the community and authorities showed up

Local politicians and community figures were out in force, with Mid and East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly posting on X that he’d enjoyed a “great afternoon” and noted the positive reception. Police had warned residents about traffic disruption beforehand and stayed visible on the route, which helped the event pass off smoothly and kept people feeling secure.

What this says about changing attitudes

A parade in a town like Ballymena , which sits in a borough with strong unionist traditions , feels significant beyond the day itself. It’s part of a wider shift where small towns host events that were once confined to cities, and organisers are increasingly savvy about messaging and safety. The cheeky poster campaign turned a nasty episode into a rallying cry, and people responded by coming out in number.

Practical tips if you’re heading to similar events

Plan for road closures and expect delays around the town centre; arrive early if you want a good vantage point; bring layers , outdoor events in Northern Ireland can swing from sun to wind , and if you’re coming with children, pick a meeting spot in case you get separated. Above all, be respectful of the space: these events are as much about visibility and community as they are about celebration.

If you missed it, there’ll be another chance

Organisers say next year’s parade will be “louder, prouder, stronger,” so expect more colourful floats, bolder banners and a bigger crowd. For now, Ballymena has shown that a small town can stage a confident, joyful Pride , and that humour and resilience still go a long way.

It's a small change that can make every parade safer and every voice a little louder.

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