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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ballymena Business Centre, in partnership with The Gallaher Trust and with the support of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Invest NI, hosted a dynamic business clinic for the creative sector this week in Midtown Makers Gift Shop. The event drew a strong turnout from local artists, makers, and innovators eager to explore the range of support available to help start, grow and sustain their creative business.

Ballymena Photographer, Nicole first started her Midtown Makers journey a year ago when she nervously came into the shop asking for help selling her photography. She signed up for the Retail Ready Programme, which gave her 2 months free test trading and vital advice from Ballymena Business Centre. With a lot of hard work and expert printing from Ryan at Woodside Photographic, Nicole displayed her pictures in the window of Midtown Makers and made her first sale in a retail env

Interview with Midtown Makers Member Linda Wray.

This month we talk to Catriona McCarte of Crafty Treasures. Catriona shares her crafting day and what goes on behind the scenes of faux flower wreath making.

Ten years ago, the idea emerged to open a shop in Ballymena to accommodate growing art and crafts businesses.