Midtown Makers Gift Shop - BLOG

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RETAIL READY: Glen Houston's Granny Shaws Confections is now in Midtown Makers! On our Retail Ready Programme for 2 months, come and get your sweet treats including their amazing fudge 😋 "Granny Shaw’s Confections are award winning makers of traditional and nostalgic confections....