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Ballyclare May Fair 2025

The Ballyclare May Fair will be returning on Saturday 17 May to Sunday 25 May 2025! 

Full 2025 Programme available to download

 


For Ticketed Events Click Here!

Ballyclare May Fair 2025

Ballyclare May Fair 2025
 

The beloved tradition of Ballyclare May Fair returns for a week of celebrations! From Saturday 17 May to Sunday 25 May, families and friends can enjoy a funfair, family fun days, horse fair, "It's a Knockout" competition, soapbox derby and live music to name but a few!

Something for Everyone: From pet shows to the traditional horse fair, live music to baby raves and tea dances, there's entertainment for all ages and interests. Foodies and craft lovers can indulge at the markets and artisan stalls and Ulster-Scots cooking demonstration from Paula McIntyre. Car enthusiasts will love the popular vintage tractor gathering and classic car show.

Don't Miss: The annual Mayor's Parade will make the opening of the May Fair ahead of a week-long series of exciting events. The popular Emergency Services Demo is back to put you on the edge of your seat or have a wiggle at the Ulster-Scots ilidh, have an adrenalin filled time at the amusement rides or take it easy and learn about the history of the May Fair.

Download the Full Programme

The Mayor's Parade

The Mayor's Parade
 

The annual Mayor's Parade will officially open the Ballyclare May Fair on Saturday 17 May at 1pm. 

Get ready to shine and bring the fun—it's time to dress up for a bright and colourful carnival-themed parade! Think bold, vibrant outfits, playful accessories, and dazzling masks that capture the spirit of joy and celebration. Whether you go for feathers, sequins, or a rainbow of colours, your look will add to the festive energy of the parade. So don’t hold back—embrace the theme, express your creativity, and let’s make this parade a spectacular, unforgettable experience!

 

Register Here

Soap Box Derby

Soap Box Derby
 

Rev up your creativity and get ready for an action-packed time at the Soap Box Derby on Thursday 22nd May! This is your chance to design, build, and race your very own Soap Box down the Ballyeaston Road in a thrilling competition of skill and speed. Whether you're in it for the friendly rivalry, the engineering challenge, or just the pure fun, this event promises excitement for all ages. So gather your team, unleash your imagination, and sign up today for a race you won’t forget!

Register Here

It's A Knockout!

It's A Knockout!
 

Get your teams together and prepare for the ultimate 'It's a Knockout' competition to find the ultimate competitors! 

Who will be crowned the winners after a fun and exciting obstacle course featuring inflatables, games of skill and teamwork!

We can't wait to see all the teams on 23 May!

Register Here

Other General Events

Road Closures

Ahead of the Ballyclare May Fair 2025, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council would like to inform you of the following temporary road closures planned during Fair Week:

Harrier Way Road Closure

  • Closure Period:
    From: Wednesday 14th May, 8:00pm
    To: Saturday 24th May, 11:00pm
  • Details: Harrier Way business will be open as usual, and access to them is permitted. Signage at this Road Closure will be updated to reflect this and information promoted on Social Media. On busy days throughout the event, stewards will be positioned at each end of the closure to help facilitate this safely.

Main Street Road Closure

  • Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025
  • Time: 8:30am to 5:00pm
  • Location: Main Street
  • Details: Please ensure all vehicles are removed from Main Street ahead of this closure.

Ballyeaston Road Closure – Soap Box Derby

  • Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025
  • Time: 4:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Closure Area: Ballyeaston Road from Charles Drive to Ballycorr Road. A section of Ballycorr Road from Ballyeaston Road to Park Street
  • Details: Please ensure all vehicles are removed from Ballyeaston Road ahead of this closure.

 

Important Notes

  • Emergency services access will be maintained at all times.

We aim to minimise disruption to local businesses during Ballyclare May Fair Week. Our marshals will do their best to facilitate deliveries where possible.

If you would like to have information about your business (e.g., opening hours, parking arrangements) added to our Ballyclare May Fair webpage, please contact a member of the Culture Team. We’ll coordinate with our Communications team to help promote your details.

We hope you’ll be joining us for this year’s festivities. If not, we appreciate your understanding and hope these events cause minimal inconvenience.