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 Syllabus

The 2026 Syllabus for Music, Speech and Modern Dance can be downloaded here

Entries OPEN on 15 September and CLOSE on 30 November 2025 for Music and Speech.

Entries for Modern Dance CLOSE on 30 January 2026.

2026 Dates [Provisional]

Irish Dance Confined: 7 February

Traditional Music: 7 February

Irish Dance Open: 9 to 14 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