Welcome to issue #8 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.
We’re nearly half way through Spring and there is a real sense of community running through everything this week.
From Ballyclare May Fair celebrating 270 years, to free compost for your garden and lots of family events, May is shaping up nicely.
There’s plenty happening this week, so if you head along to any of the events, I’d love to hear what you think.
Hit reply and send me your thoughts, and I may include a few comments in next week’s update.
Here’s some of the events you can find happening across Antrim & Newtownabbey next week:
Ballyclare May Fair Turns 270
Free compost for your garden
Best Kept Garden competition
UK's First Cookie Card
Ballyclare Male Choir Concert
BPA Irish Grand Prix 2026
And more…
Hope you enjoy!
~ Mark McKnight, Editor.
P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to a friend who might find it useful.
Ballyclare May Fair Turns 270 and It's Going to Be a Big One
Have you ever been to the Ballyclare May Fair? If not, this could be the year to change that.
Credit: Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
One of Northern Ireland's most cherished traditions returns this May, as the Ballyclare May Fair marks an incredible 270 years of history with a week of events, entertainment and community celebrations running from 16 to 23 May 2026.
Hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency, this year's fair carries a special theme "USA 250" celebrating the historic connections between Ulster-Scots heritage and America over the past 250 years.
There really is something for everyone. Returning favourites include the iconic Horse Fair on Main Street, the Mayor's Opening Parade, markets, tea dances, funfair amusements, a vintage tractor gathering, a classic car show and It's a Knockout.
Music fans can look forward to the Ballyclare Community Concert, Praise in the Square, the Downtown Country Roadshow with Deputy Dave and live music in local pubs.
Families with young children can enjoy Baby Rave sessions, a Pet Show, Sensory Kids NI, a Duck Race and funfair attractions running throughout the week.
And tipping the hat to the USA 250 theme, the week rounds off with an All-American Party in the Park at Six Mile Water Park, with American tribute acts, softball games and themed catering.
This is more than just a festival, it's a chance for the whole community to come together, celebrate local heritage and make memories that last.
Businesses, community groups and individuals are all welcome to get involved, whether that's entering the American-themed Best Dressed Window Competition, joining the Mayor's Parade or taking part in It's a Knockout.
Free compost for your garden and all it takes is a trip to the recycling centre!
If you've been meaning to get out into the garden, now's a great time.
Credit: Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
To mark International Compost Awareness Week, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is giving away one free bag of peat-free compost to every household that visits a local Household Recycling Centre.
The offer runs from Monday 4 May to Saturday 9 May 2026, while stocks last. To be eligible, you simply need to bring along items for recycling.
Things like garden waste, batteries, scrap metal, wood, or electrical goods. Drop them off, and a free bag of compost is yours to take home.
The compost itself is made from food and garden waste collected from residents' brown bins and recycling centres right here in the borough, so it really is local recycling coming full circle.
It's peat-free too, which is better for the environment.
Using compost in your garden, allotment, or green space helps improve soil health and supports local biodiversity.
It also plays a small but meaningful part in tackling climate change by locking carbon back into the soil. It's a simple thing that makes a real difference.
Mayor Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick has encouraged everyone to take advantage of the offer and play their part in building a greener borough.
Free bags are available at all five of the Council's Household Recycling Centres, but do get there soon, as supplies are limited.
Could your garden, school, or community space be in the running this spring?
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has launched its newly refreshed gardening competition, now called Antrim and Newtownabbey in Bloom.
Credit: Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
Formerly known as the Best Kept Garden competition, this updated initiative invites residents, community groups, schools, and businesses to celebrate spring and show off their outdoor spaces.
Whether you've lovingly tended a front garden, transformed a window box, or helped your school grow its own food, there's a category for you.
This year's competition includes Best Front Garden, Best Rear Garden, Best Allotment Plot, Best Community Garden, Gardening for Wildlife Award, Young Gardener of the Year, and several school and commercial categories. More than ever before.
The closing date for schools and allotments is 29 May 2026, while all other categories close on 17 July 2026.
BBC Gardeners' Corner presenter and Irish Garden editor David Maxwell is set to return for the Awards Ceremony.
This competition is a lovely way to bring people together around something positive. Gardening builds skills, lifts spirits, and helps us all take a bit more pride in the places we share.
Whether it's a child learning to grow vegetables or a community group brightening up a local space, every entry counts.
If you'd like to enter, or know someone who should, entries are submitted online and it takes just a few minutes.
Every week, we shine a light on one of the brilliant independent businesses that make our community what it is. The hidden gems, the passionate makers, and the hardworking locals who keep our high streets alive.
‘Meet the Mums Who Made the UK's First Cookie Card’
If you've ever wanted to send someone a birthday card they could actually eat, Ruth and Barbara-Anne have been one step ahead of you since 2015.
The duo behind Ooh & Aah Cookies, self-styled "Mrs. Ooh" and "Mrs. Aah", launched their bakery near Belfast back in 2011, after spotting cookie trends in Australia and the US and deciding their home crowd deserved a slice of the action.
Four years later, they did something nobody in the UK had done before: they created a postable, personalised 7-inch chocolate chip cookie card.
Credit: https://oohandaah.co.uk/
It fits through a letterbox. It has your message hand-piped on top. And judging by the customer reviews, it causes an immediate and very loud reaction.
Life didn't slow down. Barbara-Anne had triplets in 2016, Ruth followed with two of her own, but rather than putting the business on pause, they leaned in.
Everything is freshly baked on the day of dispatch and shipped across the UK and Ireland, so whether you're sending a treat to a friend in Antrim or a colleague in London, it arrives soft, fresh, and ready to devour.
The range has grown well beyond the classic cookie card. Today you'll find stuffed cookies, cookie pies, shareable dipping boxes (the Karamel Krazy tray is a bestseller), and a Build Your Own Box option for the indecisive among us.
There's even a corporate gifting service. Deloitte and KPMG are fans, apparently.
What makes Ooh & Aah feel different is the people behind it. Their story is funny, honest, and genuinely warm. Two mums who built something they love and aren't shy about how hard it's been.
Order before noon for next day delivery. Sign up to their mailing list and you'll unlock a welcome discount straight to your inbox.
If this week's feature caught your eye, show them some love. Pay them a visit, spread the word, or give them a follow online.
Supporting a local business takes just a moment, but it makes a world of difference. If you want to feature your local business here, click the button below.
These are a selection of the best events happening this week across the borough. If you would like to see a full list of events, click below.
Fri 8th May
Dementia Friends Talk | Ballyclare Library | 11:00 AM. Marking Dementia Action Week, the Alzheimer's Society visits the library to share knowledge and raise awareness in a welcoming, open session. Everyone is welcome and booking is advised.
Roller Skating Disco | Sixmile Leisure Centre | 7:00 PM. Lace up and hit the floor for an hour of skating fun set to great music, with tickets priced at £8 and booking available online.
Ballyclare Male Choir Concert | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. One of Northern Ireland's premier male voice choirs performs new pieces alongside old favourites, joined by special guests Bella Duo and Dynamic Brass, with tickets at £17.50.
Sat 9th May
Jewellery Workshop | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Join Gwen for a special jewellery workshop at the library. Booking is essential, so call 028 9085 1157 to secure your place.
Swift Workshop | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:30 AM. Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, this half-day workshop pairs an in-depth presentation on the life of swifts with an outdoor session watching newly arrived birds begin nesting, costing £5 per person.
BPA Irish Grand Prix 2026 | Theatre at The Mill | 12:30 PM. Watch the best male and female physiques from across the UK and Ireland compete in this top-tier bodybuilding event, with tickets priced at £31.50 for adults and £16.50 for under 14s.
Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Take an easy hour-long guided walk through this 350-year-old site, hearing stories of the Massereene family and the history preserved since the mid-1600s, at £5 per adult with walk-ups welcome.
Ballyclare Community Disco | Ballyclare Town Hall | 8:00 PM. Kick off the night with a free modern jive taster class before DJs spin retro hits and modern floor fillers until late. Just £8 on the door, no ticket needed. Over 25s only.
Randalstown YFC BBQ | Caddy Potatoes | 9:00 PM. Randalstown Young Farmers Club kicks off BBQ season with music by DJ Apollo, strictly for over 18s, with tickets at £10 available through club secretaries, and buses welcome.
Sun 10th May
Children's Crochet Club | The Yarn and Craft Emporium | 1:00 PM. Young crochet enthusiasts aged 9 to 13 can join this friendly weekly group running from now until the end of June, priced at £5. Let the organiser know in advance if you plan to attend.
Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Join a ranger for an hour-long walk through 350-year-old gardens, uncovering the history and colourful stories of the Massereene family dynasty. Tickets £5, under 12s free. Walk-ups welcome if not fully booked.
Mon 11th May
Poem Reading and Coffee Morning | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Readers of all ages come together to listen and share favourite poems over coffee, celebrating the joy of poetry in a warm, informal setting. Booking advised.
Go On - Understanding AI | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Come and explore how AI works, discover its everyday uses, and weigh up the benefits and challenges it brings. Booking essential - call 028 9446 1942 or email the library.
Drawing for Absolute Beginners | Old Museum Mossley Mill | 2:00 PM. Tutor Amanda Montgomery guides adults aged 16 and over through a 7-week drawing course, building confidence from scratch with pencil and paper. Tickets from £52.50.
Tony Kerr's Country Club | McLarnon's Ramble Inn | 8:00 PM. Tony Kerr and his band The Working Men deliver a night of country music and dancing, with guest artists joining on occasions and a chicken and chips supper served at half time.
Tue 12th May
Quiz Morning | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Put your knowledge to the test at Greystone's lively Quiz Morning, where you can have some fun and enjoy the company of fellow quiz enthusiasts on the second Tuesday of each month.
Knit and Natter | Cloughfern Library | 11:30 AM. Bring your current project or start something new at this friendly craft group for adults who enjoy knitting, crochet, cross stitch and more. No booking required and everyone is welcome.
Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned wordsmith, this weekly group offers fresh prompts, like-minded company, and a genuinely relaxing escape from the everyday.
Lego Club | Greenisland Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged 5 and over can build something brilliant at this weekly themed Lego session while accompanied by a parent or carer, with no booking required.
Wed 13th May
Content Creation Masterclass | Space Antrim | 10:00 AM. Led by Lois O'Kane of Define Media Company, this hands-on day for business owners covers content strategy, phone filming, and professional photography briefs, leaving you with real assets and a 30–60 day plan. Places are limited to 15, so early booking is advised.
Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Step out for a gentle weekly walk connecting with others over fresh air, nature, and good company. Booking is essential; contact the library to reserve your place.
Return the Native | The Old Courthouse | 7:30 PM. Hotbuckle Theatre brings Thomas Hardy's classic to life with live music, humour, and inventive multi-role performance, following Eustacia Vye as her passions lead to inevitable tragedy on Egdon Heath. Tickets are £16.50.
Thu 14th May
Jigsaw Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Drop in and spend a relaxing morning working on a beautiful jigsaw at Greystone Library. No booking required, just call in and enjoy some peaceful, unhurried time.
Community Safety Programme | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) hosts this weekly drop-in exploring home, online, and community safety topics over four weeks. Booking is essential. Call 02890351020. Light refreshments provided.
'Rock Painting' Adult Craft | Antrim Library | 2:00 PM. Paint your own stone using provided rocks and paints in this therapeutic afternoon craft session marking Mental Health Awareness Week. Booking is advisable; call 028 9446 1942 to reserve your place.
Go On - 1-2-1 eClinic | Rathcoole Library | 2:00 PM. Get one-to-one IT support tailored to beginners, covering mobile devices, general digital assistance, and library e-services. Booking is essential. Call 028 9085 1157.
Little Stories, Big Feelings | Greenisland Library | 3:30 PM. Marking Mental Health Awareness Week, this free drop-in storytime for children aged 4 to 11 explores this year's theme of "action" through inspiring tales about helping others, sharing feelings, and taking mindful moments.
Busy Hands and Bright Minds | Glengormley Library | 6:45 PM. Designed for children aged 6 to 11, this welcoming session blends sensory stories, hands-on play, and neurodivergent-friendly activities in a relaxed environment. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential.
Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?
That’s it for this issue. If you want to get in touch, just hit reply to this email and I’ll get back to you asap.
If you found this useful, feel free to share it with someone else around the Antrim and Newtownabbey area who might appreciate some new local events to try each week.
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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.