Home / Events / 2026 / May / Ballyclare May Fair

Ballyclare May Fair

Get Involved

Special Offers

270 Years of the May Fair!

The Ballyclare May Fair returns this year from 16-23 May with a week of community celebrations, family entertainment and traditional events across the town. This year’s festivities proudly embrace the theme “USA 250”, celebrating the historic links between Ulster-Scots heritage and America.

Highlights include the Mayor’s Opening Parade, the historic Horse Fair on Main Street, live music concerts, markets, funfair amusements, sporting events and a wide range of family activities.

Visitors can enjoy everything from vintage tractor displays, tea dances and food events to a car show, fun run, pet show and the All-American Party in the Park. Amusements will run throughout the week at Harrier Way and Six Mile Leisure Centre car park (excluding Sunday).

With events taking place in The Square, Ballyclare Town Hall, Six Mile Water Park and venues across the town, the May Fair offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Get Involved

The Programme

Proudly sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

More Information

Charged and/or Bookable Events

Community Events
Are you hosting an event during the May Fair that you would like us to promote?
E. louise.palmer@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Ballyeaston Vintage Tractor Gathering & May Fair Opening Party

Saturday 16 May | 10am-4pm | The Square and Town Hall Car Park

Kick off the Ballyclare May Fair with a fantastic display of vintage tractors and a great community atmosphere.

Featuring live music from local legend Colin Graham.

Phillip Magee – Elvis Presley Tribute Act (X Factor UK Series 2 Finalist)

Saturday 16 May | Doors Open 8pm | Show Starts 9pm | Sporty’s Lounge, The Sportsmans Inn
£8 entry (pay at the door or prebook in bar)

Join us for a night of classic entertainment with Phillip Magee, known for his appearance on The X Factor UK (Series 2, 16–24s category mentored by Louis Walsh), performing a powerful tribute to Elvis Presley.

Sausage Dog Parade

Sunday 17 May | 2pm | Ballyclare Town Hall

Join us and Northern Ireland Dachshund Lovers for a fun-filled celebration of all things dachshund! Our parade features light-hearted awards recognising the personality, style, and charm of our favourite sausage dogs.

Awards Categories
- Biggest Diva
- Shiniest Coat
- Cheeky Chappy
- Snazzy Dresser
- Golden Oldie (Best Senior Dachshund)
- Stars & Stripes Style Award (Best American-Themed Outfit)
- Waggiest Tail
Ballyclare Community Concert

Monday 18 May | 7-10pm | Ballyclare Town Hall
£3 entry (pay at the door)

Your MC for the night is Ronnie Hazard, guiding an evening packed with entertainment including:
- Fairview Primary School Choir
- Ballyclare Primary Choir
- Philip Strange (country & western)
- Sinclair Pipe Band
- Tartan Riot
Interval refreshments will be available.

This special event is hosted by the four community groups: Burnside, Ollardale Reach and Sixmile Hub, with support from The United Parish of Christ Church & St John’s, Ballyclare.
Tug of War Competition with Holestone Young Farmers Club

Tuesday 19 May | 7.30pm | Parkview Hockey Club

Join the Young Farmers for a thrilling May Fair Open Tug of War Competition.
- Cash prizes for the winning teams
- Open competition – all welcome
For more information, contact:
John Rea – T. 07766346915
Daniel McAuley – T. 07845737410

May Fair Tea Dance

Wednesday 20 May | 2pm | Ballyclare Town Hall
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a lovely afternoon of music from Housty and good company, proudly hosted by Ollardale Community Group!
£3 pay at door. Everyone welcome.
For catering purposes ring to confirm your attendance T. 07843797054

Summer Fashion Extravaganza

Wed 20 May 2026 | 5-10pm | Joli Clothing Boutique, United Kingdom, BT39 9AA

Join us for an evening of fashion, shopping, refreshments, music and exclusive discounts at Joli Clothing alongside other fabulous local businesses.
- 5pm–6pm Jewellery browsing & refreshments at Hope & Light
- 6pm–7:30pm Music, drinks, coffee & nibbles in the Joli garden
- 7:30pm–10pm Summer Fashion Show hosted by Claire McCollum featuring Joli Clothing, Bonita & more.
All proceeds from ticket sales will support Macmillan Cancer Support & Hope & Light
Tickets: £20 plus Ticket Source Fee.

Community Safety Fair by ROC Ballyclare

Thursday 21 May | 6-8pm | Ballyclare Town Hall

Come along and meet a range of organisations as we explore practical ways for people of all ages to feel safe online, in our communities and surroundings.
- Helpful information and advice
- Children's arts and crafts activities
- Refreshments and lots more!
For more information contact the ROC Team at E. northernireland@roc.uk.com or T. 028 9035 1020

May Fair Table Quiz

Friday 22 May | 7.30pm for 8pm start | Ballyclare Linfield Supporters Club
Get your thinking caps on and rally your dream team!
Ollardale Community Group are hosting a fun-filled night of trivia, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition.

Just £5 per person - Pay on entry.
Max 6 players per team.

Ballyclare Protestant Boys Parade

Saturday 23 May
Host Band Walks Out: 6pm
Main Parade Starts: 7pm
After Party: The Blues Club, Ballyclare
May Fair Tuesday
May Fair Tuesday brings a packed programme of entertainment, tradition, and family-friendly activities across the town, running from morning through the evening.

The day begins at 10am with the Horse Fair, a traditional highlight that sets the tone for the celebrations. Later, the Family History Day with the Antrim and Newtownabbey Family History Society offers visitors the chance to explore local heritage and family history.

In the town centre at The Square, the music and entertainment programme will take place throughout the afternoon and evening.

May Fair Live Stage Entertainment (1pm–7pm) will feature a full programme of hosted entertainment, with Downtown Country and Downtown Radio’s Deputy Dave joining us from 1pm–3pm to deliver a lively afternoon of country-style entertainment and audience interaction. The stage line-up will also include live performances from K-POP, Farmer Dan (2-piece), Luke Combs NI, and a Dolly Parton tribute act, running until 7pm and bringing a mix of modern, country and classic favourites to the stage.

Across the rest of the town, there is plenty more to enjoy:
- Live music in The Grange Bar, continuing the evening atmosphere
- Sensory Kids sessions at Ballyclare Library, providing a calm and inclusive space for children
- The May Fair Market in the Town Hall, showcasing local crafts, food, and stalls
- An Emergency Services Demonstration in the ASDA car park, offering families an up-close look at emergency response vehicles and teams
All-American Party in the Park
Saturday 23 May | 12pm – 5pm | Free | Six Mile Water Park

From Hollywood hits to home runs, join us for a spectacular All-American themed day packed with entertainment, sport and family fun.

Enjoy All-Star tribute performances, softball action, inflatables, facepainting, and delicious food vendors in a vibrant outdoor festival atmosphere.

Featuring tribute acts to:
- Sabrina NI
- Taylor NI
- Teddy Swims
- Elvis Presley
- Chapel Clone
- Neil Diamond
- Cher
- Celine Dion
A fun-filled day of music, sport, and family entertainment for all ages.
Week-Long Events
There is fun for everyone, all week long.
- Amusements: Located at Harrier Way and Six Mile Leisure Centre Car Park (operating daily, excluding Sunday).
- Ulster-Scots USA250 Exhibition: Located at Ballyclare Library.
- Best Dressed Window Competition: Admire American-themed windows in businesses around the town.
- Odd Man Out Competition: Can you spot the odd man out in local shop windows. Entry forms for the competition can be collected from and returned to Ballyclare Town Hall.
Road Closures
Harrier Way Road Closure (Amusements)

Vehicles may use Main Street during this closure.

Harrier Way will be closed to the public:

Start: Tuesday 12 May, 10.00pm
End: Saturday 23 May, 11.00pm

Main Street Road Closure (Horse Fair)

Main Street will be temporarily closed:

Date: Tuesday 19 May
Start: 8.30am
End: 5.00pm

Co. Antrim Harriers Road Closures

Temporary traffic restrictions will be in place for the Co. Antrim Harriers 5km and 10km races on Saturday 23 May 2025.

Road closures and traffic management will operate from 9.00am to 11.30am, with both races starting at 10.00am from Ballyclare Rugby Club.

A lead car and cyclist will guide runners at the front of the races. A tail runner/walker will follow at the rear, and traffic may proceed behind participants when directed by marshals and the PSNI.

Please allow extra travel time and respect runners on the road.

5km Race Route

Starting from Ballyclare Rugby Club, the route will follow:
- Doagh Road
- The Square
- Main Street
- Centenary Way Park entrance
- Sixmile Water Park
- Avondale Drive
- Hawthorn Way
- Ollardale Park
- Doagh Road (Doagh bound)
- Finish at Cloughan Lane / Ballyclare Rugby Club
10km Race Route

Starting from Ballyclare Rugby Club, the route will follow:
- Doagh Road
- The Square
- Rashee Road
- Cogry Road
- Rectory Road
- Station Road, Doagh
- Mill Road, Doagh
- Main Street, Doagh
- Ballyclare Road
- Doagh Road
- Finish at Cloughan Lane entrance
Important Information
- Traffic restrictions: 9.00am – 11.30am
- Race start time: 10.00am
- Please follow instructions from marshals and the PSNI
- Local access will be managed where possible
- Thank you for your patience and support
Car Park Closures

THE SQUARE CAR PARK WILL BE CLOSED:

Saturday 16 May: 6am – 7pm
Sunday 17 May: 6am - midnight
Tuesday 19 May: 6am – midnight

HARRIER WAY CAR PARK WILL BE CLOSED:

Tuesday 12 May at 10pm to Sunday 24 May at midnight.

Event	Location	Date & Time	Price	Booking Link
Ballyclare Community Concert	Ballyclare Town Hall	18 May: 7-10pm	£3	Booking not required. Pay on entry.
An Ulster-Scots American Cooking Demo with Paula McIntyre	Ballyclare Town Hall	19 May: 7.30-9pm	£5	Book Now
Baby Rave	Ballyclare Town Hall	20 May: 10-11am & 11.15am-12.15pm	£2.50	Book Now (Tickets only required for children)
Borough Bands and Ballads	Ballyclare Town Hall	20 May: 7-9.30pm	£2.50	Book Now
It's a Knockout	Leisure Centre Football Pitch 2	22 May: 6-8pm	£20 per team	Sign up here Pay here Free to Watch
Ollardale Community Group Table Quiz	Linfield Supporters Club	22 May: 7.30-10pm	£5	Booking not required. Pay on entry.
An American Hamely Sup and Scran with Paula McIntyre (Expect handcrafted cocktails paired with delicious Ulster-Scots-inspired bites. Over 18 event - ID required.)	Ballyclare Town Hall	22 May: 8pm	£15	Book Now
Classic Car Show	Asda Car Park	23 May: 10am-12noon	£5 per car	Book Now Free to Watch
Family Friendly Rave	Ballyclare Town Hall	23 May: 10.30-11.30am & 11.45-12.45pm	£2.50	Book Now (Tickets only required for children)
Pet Show Competition	Six Mile Water Park	24 May: 11am-12noon	£1 entry per category	Booking not required. Pay on entry.