Bertie the Ballymena Bear: A Little Bear with a Big Heart

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.

The short film follows Bertie, a teddy bear, who gets lost when the delivery man drops him unseen and sends him on a magical journey through Ballymena’s town centre on a cold, wet night of winter. From Castle Street to various shops and cafés, Bertie searches for the child, who waved at him and he wants to be with her at Christmas and to find her before the big Christmas tree light switch-on.

What began as a modest £5,000 production by local company Grafters Media Designs soon became something extraordinary. Within 24 hours, Bertie had been seen in 28 countries, and by the week before Christmas, over 111,000 views had poured in. Viewers called the film “heartwarming”, “charming”, and some even admitted it “made grown men cry.”

Bertie was not just a character in a film—he was a handmade bear, lovingly crafted by local artisan Michele Lowry of Penny & Rose, a Midtown Makers member since 2014. Midtown Makers, a vibrant gift and craft hub launched as part of Ballymena’s town regeneration by Ballymena Business Centre, is home to local creatives and artisans.

Bertie was made from Slemish linen—named after the nearby mountain where Saint Patrick once tended sheep—and finished with a classic Irish tweed scarf. The linen was sourced from Baird McNutt in Kells, Co. Antrim, rooting Bertie deeply in local heritage, craftsmanship, and economy. This little bear was more than just a gift—he was a symbol of home for many who live far from it.

Bertie quickly became more than a film star. He became a global ambassador for Ballymena and Northern Ireland. Sold through Midtown Makers Gift Shop, Bertie found homes in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, China, the United States (Arizona and Texas), Holland, and beyond. Often sent as gifts to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bertie carried with him a warm reminder of home and heritage—especially for those with roots in Ballymena.

Following the film’s success, a 2016 sequel titled “Miracle on Broughshane Street” continued Bertie’s story. In 2018, Bertie met Bella, a sweet bear with an Irish tweed bow and a white pearl necklace. Found during the Christmas shopping rush and lovingly adopted after Bertie’s reunion with his owner, Bella became part of the festive tale—a companion and symbol of blossoming love during the holidays.

While Bertie’s story is undeniably heartwarming, its impact was much deeper. At a time when many small towns battled negative stereotypes and economic downturns, Bertie became a beacon of hope, creativity, and community pride. This locally driven campaign proved that small initiatives, when rooted in genuine storytelling and local collaboration, can rival even the largest national campaigns—think John Lewis, but with a Ballymena heart.

Why Bertie Still Matters

Heartfelt storytelling: A bear on a journey, mirroring our own lives, filled with loss, hope, and love.

Locally made: Crafted with care from regional materials by artisans who believe in what they do.

Global impact: From Ballymena to the world, Bertie helped tell a story of warmth, family, and identity.

Celebrating community: A testament to Ballymena’s artisans, businesses, and festive spirit.

Want to Relive the Magic?

From all of us in Ballymena—Bertie, Bella, and beyond—thank you for your support.

This isn’t just the story of a teddy bear.

It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and Christmas magic.