Midtown Makers Gift Shop - BLOG

I thrive on keeping busy so after a 3am to 11am start in my full-time job at Belfast International Airport I go home nap for a bit and then make chutneys, salsas & preserves in the heart of our home.

Before there were streets, shops, or market squares, the land around Ballymena was already rich with history. The rivers, fields, and hills bore witness to countless generations, each adding a chapter to the story of the town that would one day grow in their midst.

A fresh season of support, inspiration and networking is on offer for female entrepreneurs across Mid and East Antrim, with the launch of the latest Enterprising Women programme. The autumn/winter schedule has been shaped directly by feedback from members of the network, with a programme designed to meet women where they are on their business journey – whether they are starting out, growing an established business or looking to build new connections.

Midtown Makers Gift Shop Needs Your Vote… Click link below, select Best Generalist Retailer and type Midtown Makers Gift Shop https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/HSH Voting is now officially open for the Retail NI High Street Heroes 2026 awards, and they are inviting customers across Northern Ireland to help spread the word. No judges. No panels. Just the public's vote.

I remember, when my kids were young, they always wanted me to put them to bed, because I was better at reading and telling them stories, with the different voices of the characters. Either reading or a made-up story, was looked forward to with a certain joy, when I created a world for them, that they enjoyed and so this week, as my eldest son’s Birthday falls, I decided that why not make it Book Week, he always a good story. So here in Midtown Makers it’s Book Week.

Celebrate August Craft Month and Ballymena's Creative Heritage with a Captivating Showcase of Traditional Crafts. As Ballymena town marks its 400th anniversary, the community is invited to join in a spectacular celebration of its rich history and cultural heritage through the art of traditional craftsmanship at Midtown Makers Gift Shop. On Thursday 20th August, from 6pm, this special event aims to highlight the skills, artistry, and creativity that have been passed down throu

The famous Ballymena Bear and his friend Bella have packed their picnic basket this Summer to Celebrate Ballymena’s 400th Birthday. Ballymena was founded in 1626, when King Charles I granted the Adair family the right to hold two Annual Fairs and a Saturday Market transforming a small village into a major commercial and agricultural hub. Ballymena has continued this tradition of a Saturday Market and Annual Fair for 400 years and has grown into a welcoming market town

My book Ralphie’s Day of Dress Up, focuses on imagination, positivity, and wonder. The story shows young readers that even when things do not go to plan, like Ralphie’s day, you can still choose to have fun and make the best of the situation. My next book featuring Susie teaches readers not to rush, as rushing can lead to mistakes. Instead, it encourages children to slow down, focus carefully, and not let adversity bring them down, but to face challenges with confidence.

Hilary Bailey is the author and narrator for Skyespringer, storyteller from the Gateway to the Glens. Skye’s Waggy Tales are eight beautifully illustrated storybooks featuring Skye, Russ, Jazz and friends’ adventures in real places; Donaghadee, Copeland Islands, Loch Lomond, The East Coast of Scotland, Causeway Coast and Glens and our home, Islandmagee.

Ballymena is often known as "The City of the Seven Towers", although it has never officially held city status. The nickname comes from seven prominent towers and steeples that once dominated the town skyline and could be seen from miles around. The title is generally credited to Sir Shafto Adair in the 19th century.

On Saturday, 23rd May, Ballymena marked it's 400 year anniversary of the historic 1626 Royal Charter granted by King Charles I to the Adair family. The event, organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, brought together people from all walks of life to honour the town’s heritage and look forward to its future. Among the many groups participating were Ballymena Business Centre / Midtown Makers team.

Ballymena Business Centre, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Ballymena, has officially launched a new Rotary Rest Space in Midtown Makers Gift Shop located on Church Street, Ballymena. This unique community initiative has been undertaken in celebration of Ballymena400. Guests were welcomed to the opening event by Debbie Chestnutt, Ballymena Rotary President, and Melanie Christie Boyle, Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre. The newly launched Rotary Rest Space

Located in the heart of Ballymena Town Centre on Church Street, the Rankin Room is part of the Ballymena Business Centre family. It is situated in the Business Hub, above Midtown Makers Gift Shop, and provides a prime location for businesses looking for a flexible meeting space.

The year 2025 was exceptional for Midtown Makers Gift Shop. We hosted a range of creative workshops, supported emerging and small local businesses, and revamped both the shop and our website. Additionally, we became the Visitor Information Hub for Ballymena. It was an eventful year, and we want to express our gratitude to all our members, customers, and supporters for keeping Midtown Makers a lively and creative spot in Ballymena.

Thank you Ballymena Means for the fabulous video, we are all super happy with our make over, hope all our Members and customers like it too.

In 2015, Ballymena’s town centre was introduced to a small, cuddly character who would go on to win hearts across the globe—Bertie the Bear. Commissioned by the Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID), Bertie starred in a four-minute Christmas short film that quickly became a viral sensation. What started as a local festive project soon grew into something much bigger, a story that captured the heart and soul of Ballymena and proudly placed it on the world map.

This September, the team at Midtown Makers were invited to join the new Mid & East Antrim Neighbourhood Tourism Hub's familiarisation tours, led by Patricia McEldowney of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Catriona, Jim and I were joined by Hub Members from Carrickfergus, Larne and Cullybackey to explore some of the many places of interest in the Borough.

A Region Steeped in Shadows: From racehorses cursed by holy relics to demonic pacts and ghostly coachmen, the Ballymena area is rich in tales perfect for Halloween. Whether you’re walking the Dark Hedges at dusk or passing Dundermot Mound under a full moon, you might just feel the chill of a story still being told. So light a candle, leave a little milk by the door—and if someone asks about the bridge at Glarryford…Don’t answer.

The new Tourist Information Hub is designed to enhance access to up-to-date details on local events, attractions, and activities. It features an interactive iPad for digital information access, detailed maps of the area, and striking imagery of the region’s impressive scenery. Knowledgeable staff from Midtown Makers Gift Shop are also on hand to offer friendly guidance and local insights.

"Retail Ready" is a pop-up-shop initiative managed by Ballymena Business Centre in partnership with The Gallaher Trust. This initiative...