Welcome to The Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.
This is our second ever newsletter focusing on what’s happening across our local area.
How was you Christmas Day? Mine went really well!
Had a lovely family dinner after we exchanged gifts, then went for a nice walk.
So what’s been happening around town this week?
In today’s Antrim & Newtownabbey Post:
Silent Rascals Spread Festive Cheer with Santa Run for NI Children’s Hospice
Spirit of Christmas Awards 2025: Local Heroes Celebrated Across Antrim & Newtownabbey
From Randalstown to the Spotlight: Local Singer Wows Stars in London
Kickstart Your Career in Security with New Employment Academy
Events Happening In Your Area
New Dog Control Rules Coming in January 2026
‘Simply The Best’
And more…
Let’s get to it.
~ Tom Smyth, Editor
🗓️ Featured Event 🗓️
Kelly’s Roller Skating | Sixmile Leisure Centre | 7pm
Have you ever tried Roller skating? Head down to Sixmile Leisure Centre next Friday night (2nd Jan) and give it a go for £8.
Kelly’s provide everything you need to get going including the tunes!
Issue #2: 26th December, 2025
🗞️ This Week in the Borough
🎅 Silent Rascals Spread Festive Cheer with Santa Run for NI Children’s Hospice
The Newtownabbey Silent Rascals lit up the season with their festive Santa Run, bringing Christmas joy and raising support for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
A heartwarming celebration of community spirit and charity, perfect for spreading some holiday cheer!
🎄 Spirit of Christmas Awards 2025: Local Heroes Celebrated Across Antrim & Newtownabbey
The winners of the Spirit of Christmas Awards 2025 have been announced, highlighting the amazing efforts of local businesses, schools, community groups and festive champions who helped spread holiday cheer throughout the borough.
From spectacular lights displays and creative decorations to heartfelt acts of giving and community events, this year’s winners truly embodied the spirit of the season.
🎶 From Randalstown to the Spotlight: Local Singer Wows Stars in London
Randalstown’s own Tiernán Heffron, the musician who once stunned Taylor Swift with his performance, took to the stage at the prestigious King’s Trust Carol Concert in London, serenading celebrities and supporters with original songs and festive favourites.
It’s another proud moment for this rising talent as he continues to make waves in the music scene!
🛡️ Kickstart Your Career in Security with New Employment Academy
A new Security Industry Authority (SIA) Employment Academy is launching in January 2026 to help residents train and gain the skills needed for a rewarding career in the security sector, from first aid to counter‑terrorism awareness.
The week‑long programme also includes support with CVs, interview prep and a guaranteed interview with local employers for those who complete it.
🗓️ Events Happening This Week
Saturday 27th
Sixmile Parkrun #229 | Sixmile Park, Ballyclare | 9.30am
Antrim Parkrun #515 | LoughShore Park, Antrim | 9.30am
Valley Parkrun #525 | Valley Park, Newtownabbey | 9.30am
Enchanted Winter Garden | Antrim Castle Gardens | 4.30pm
Davy Galway | Whiteabbey Royal British Legion | 8.45pm
Sunday 28th
Gratitude, Grace & New Beginnings | The Harmony Hub, Ballyclare | 1pm
Randalstown FPC Youth Rally | 21 Church Road, Randalstown | 9pm
Enchanted Winter Garden | Antrim Castle Gardens | 4.30pm
Crimbo-Limbo Dog Walk | Loughshore Antrim | 12.30pm
Eddie Campbell | Whiteabbey Royal British Legion | 8.45pm
Monday 29th
Christmas Football Fun Day | The Soccer Shed, Ballyclare | 10am
Enchanted Winter Garden | Antrim Castle Gardens | 4.30pm
Tuesday 30th
Enchanted Winter Garden | Antrim Castle Gardens | 4.30pm
Wednesday 31st
Fiona Stewart Williams Psychic | Top of the Town, Antrim | 8pm
NYE at 5 Corners | 5 Corners Guest Inn, Ballyclare | 7.30pm
Colin Rea | Whiteabbey Royal British Legion | 8.45pm
Thursday 1st
Valley NYD Parkrun | Valley Park, Newtownabbey | 9.30am
Friday 2nd
Kelly’s Roller Skating | Sixmile Leisure Centre | 7pm
Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?
❎ Votes, Motions & Matters
Every month the council has a number of meetings and the decisions made can affect everyone across the borough!
Here are some highlights from November 2025 that you should know.
🐕 New Dog Control Rules Coming in January 2026
After a public consultation, the Council approved new, standardised Dog Control Orders across the borough. These will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
What’s changing:
Consistent rules across Antrim and Newtownabbey
Clearer areas where dogs must be on leads or are excluded
No fixed lead length in the new rules
A & B roads removed from dog control listings
New signage, online maps, and QR codes to make rules clearer
Importantly:
Registered assistance dogs are exempt
Enforcement will start with education, not fines
Why it matters:
Dog owners will soon have clearer guidance on where dogs can and can’t go, helping reduce confusion and conflict in shared spaces like parks, cemeteries and greenways.
♻️ Extra Recycling Capacity Over Christmas
To deal with the post-Christmas waste surge, the Council approved a temporary recycling facility at Valley Leisure Centre.
It will operate:
27, 29 and 30 December
9am – 4pm
This aims to ease congestion at the busy O’Neill Road Recycling Centre.
Why it matters:
Less traffic, shorter queues, and an easier way to get rid of excess Christmas waste.
🤩 Simply The Best
This week we are kicking off with ‘Simply The Best’ coffee shop in Ballyclare as rated by locals on Google.
Pots of Pleasure, Ballyclare
Credit: Pots of Pleasure
Looking for the perfect cup of coffee in Ballyclare? Pots of Pleasure has earned rave reviews for its cozy atmosphere, expertly brewed coffee, and delicious homemade treats.
Whether you’re popping in for a morning pick-me-up or catching up with friends over a latte, this local favourite delivers warmth, flavour, and a smile every time.
No wonder Google reviewers are loving it. This week, it’s Simply the Best in our Antrim & Newtownabbey roundup!
Thanks for Reading
That’s it for Issue #2.
If you found this useful, feel free to share it with someone else around the Antrim and Newtownabbey area who might appreciate a clear, local update each week.
Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.