Summer Window Display: Teddy Bears Picnic at Midtown Makers for Ballymena 400th Birthday

If you go down to the woods today, you're in for a big suprise!

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 steeped in rich history, culture and destination for visitors exploring the history of our town centre and surrounding villages.

The story of the Ballymena Bear began in 2015 when Bertie, a handmade Irish Linen Teddy Bear featured in a heart-warming Christmas video ‘A Miracle on Broughshane Street’ sponsored by Ballymena BID promoting Ballymena as a retail destination. This promotional video created on a shoestring budget rivalled many premium advertisements created by big brand retail corporates with such success that it went viral on social media and made national press headlines. This adorable character was designed and crafted by Penny & Rose Memory Bears located in Midtown Makers Gift Shop.

The success of the Ballymena Bear promotional campaign led to the creation of three massive, 2-meter-tall 3D living plant sculptures fashioned to look like Bertie. These impressive living flora bears have been installed as popular photo opportunities across key town centre locations.

Join the Celebration Events this Summer or enjoy your very own family themed picnic in beautiful locations including People’s Park, Ecos Nature Park and other Green Spaces across Ballymena Town. Share your memorable moments as you Celebrate Ballymena’s 400th Birthday with friends and family as we honour four centuries of Ballymena’s remarkable story.

by Melanie Christie Boyle