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)

February: Irish Dance Confined

February: Traditional Music

February: Irish Dance Open

February: Vocal Music

February: Speech & Drama

February: Instrumental Music

March: Gala evening

March: Modern Dance

May: Modern Dance Championship