Midtown Makers Gift Shop - BLOG

During the 400 years that Ballymena began its growth from a simple ford to an industrial town, businesses and their craftspeople have come and gone. We have been looking at the forgotten crafts and trades that have disappeared because of time, change and industrialisation. So, as a last part of our Linen Trade pieces, we have researched the documents that are available and have not only discovered the jobs that are no longer used but that are also forgotten. While in the proc

Our August Craft Month Showcase of Traditional Crafts was a massive success thanks to all our members who took time out to demonstrate, chat and run taster sessions of their crafts. It was lovely to see the event so well attended and by so many different ages and backgrounds. One of the highlights of the evening was the jam and preserves tasting by one of our newest members 'A Wee Favour' - friends Dyvonne and Judith. They baked scones and handed out samples of their amazi

In the early 1700s, across the green fields of Ulster, the growing of flax was more than farming — it was a way of life. Long before factories filled the valleys with the sound of machinery, families planted, tended, and transformed this delicate, blue-flowered crop into one of Ireland’s most treasured materials: linen.

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.

In June 2025, I had written a tale about a Raleigh Bike, that has become part of Midtown Makers history and a reminder of Ballymena’s Creative past. So, this year, Jacque Mc Neill, a local artist whose husband Ivan was a Grandson of Daniel McAfee, the once owner of the bike and it’s adventures, was taking a sketch and walk workshop through Ballymena, they stopped at the old church on Church Street, once the Parish Church, but now accessible only by key from Outdoor Adventu

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

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.