Midtown Makers Gift Shop - BLOG

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.

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

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.

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.

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.