Midtown Makers

04/09/2026

🤩We have been Shortlisted for the High Street Heroes Awards! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us ❤️

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Ballymena Means Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry Retail NI

Congratulations to all those making the 2026 Retail NI High Street Heroes Shortlist. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be revealed on 23rd September

04/09/2026

🎨🐈‍⬛🎃 Halloween Paint and Bakes Workshop

Thursday 29th October
5pm-8pm
£25

Learn how to paint with acrylics on canvas with Artist Ursula Meehan, and create your own spooky Halloween painting.

Beginners and experienced painters welcome. Traybakes will be provided by local baker Pamela of The Bakery Room.

Email Ursula to book: [email protected] U.Fitz Art Ursula Meehan

03/09/2026

We are pleased to introduce you to our latest member Breda from Breda'skitchen. Breda brought samples of her delicious chutneys for us to taste in her interview and had Jim convinced on the first bite!

"I love a good Cheeseboard and an even better Chutney, after trying numerous different chutneys I felt there was always something missing, so by creating my own I had control what ingredients to use and experiment with.

Last October I decided after a lot of persuasion to sell it. Hence grew Breda's Kitchen. I thrive on keeping busy so after a 3am to 11am start in my full-time job at Belfast International Airport I go home nap for a bit and then make chutneys, salsas & preserves in the heart of our home. Since then, I've created 15 in a range that include chutneys, salsas, preserves and marinades."

Continue reading on our blog:

I thrive on keeping busy so after a 3am to 11am start in my full-time job at Belfast International Airport I go home nap for a bit and then make chutneys, salsas & preserves in the heart of our home.

03/09/2026

🎨Another NEW workshop for Midtown Makers - learn how to create art works by cutting out designs on lino and printing them onto fabric. The theme for the first beginners workshop is Autumn Lino Printing on Irish Linen.
Learn how to create unique lino prints and make your own framed autumn linen print to take home and display.​
Saturday 12th September
10.30am - 1pm
£40
You will be guided in the techniques of lino printing, cutting out an autumnal design which you will print on a piece of linen and frame.
​
All tools and materials are provided. You are advised to wear old clothes as this can sometimes be a messy craft! Aprons will be provided.

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autumn-linoprinting-on-linen-tickets-1998208775237

🎨Another NEW workshop for Midtown Makers - learn how to create art works by cutting out designs on lino and printing them onto fabric. The theme for the first beginners workshop is Autumn Lino Printing on Irish Linen.

Learn how to create unique lino prints and make your own framed autumn linen print to take home and display.​

Saturday 12th September
10.30am - 1pm
£40

You will be guided in the techniques of lino printing, cutting out an autumnal design which you will print on a piece of linen and frame.
​
All tools and materials are provided. You are advised to wear old clothes as this can sometimes be a messy craft! Aprons will be provided.

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autumn-linoprinting-on-linen-tickets-1998208775237

02/09/2026

Put the kettle on and settle down to read the history of the early streets of Ballymena, how people, industry and changing times shaped the town over the last 400 years.

Before there were streets, shops, or market squares, the land around Ballymena was already rich with history. The rivers, fields, and hills bore witness to countless generations, each adding a chapter to the story of the town that would one day grow in their midst.

The people of Ballymena were not wealthy in riches, yet they possessed a wealth of skill, resilience, and ideas. From the fields they farmed and the homes they built, they fashioned livelihoods with their own hands, turning local resources into opportunity. Weavers, craftsmen, traders, and labourers worked the land and developed industries that would shape the character of the town for generations.

Continue reading on our blog:
https://www.midtownmakers.com/post/the-linen-legacy-woven-into-the-fabric-of-ballymena

02/09/2026

On our Monthly Thursday late evening opening we have our first De-stash Market, similar to the vinted style markets that have started to get really popular, we have added a craft twist to ours.

Makers have been digging through their craft stashes of making supplies, packaging, props and other materials that they no longer need but are in great condition to pass on to someone who needs them.

This event is ideal for anyone on a budget looking for fabric, wool, beads, boxes, card making materials etc., either for hobbies, making craft to sell, or for community groups for members to make use of.

Thursday 24th September 6pm-8pm. No booking required.

Ballymena Means

01/09/2026

Looking for a Ballymena themed gift that has been locally handmade?
We have some lovely products in from .glory Renu Design Studio and featuring the seven towers and Slemish.

31/08/2026

Today's your last chance to vote! 🗳️

Don't miss the opportunity to recognise the independent retailers, retail employees and high streets that make such a difference to communities across Northern Ireland.

Voting closes today, so if you haven't had your say yet, now's the time.

🗳️ Vote now: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/HSH

29/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who came in this week and made a birthday card for Ballymena's 400th Birthday. Here is a selection of the ADULTS artworks.

Give your favourite a like and the person with the most likes will win a Ballymena 400 mug.

29/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who came in this week and made a birthday card for Ballymena's 400th Birthday. Here is a selection of the KIDS artworks.

Give your favourite a like and the person with the most likes will win a Ballymena 400 mug.