New street art in Ballymena celebrates local heritage with a splash of colour
Monday 14 April 2025
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce the completion of three new street art installations across Ballymena town centre - designed to celebrate local heritage, enhance public spaces and attract visitors.
The art has been funded by the Department for Communities and Council as part of a wider street art initiative, which also included a programme of artwork culminating in an art festival in Larne last summer. The initiative complements ongoing efforts to support town centres through projects such as shopfront improvement grants, pop up shops and town centre animation activities.
The latest additions to Ballymena’s streetscape form part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to town centre revitalisation, bringing vibrant, eye-catching artwork to the area. Each piece has been carefully designed to reflect the town’s unique character and history, making Ballymena a more welcoming and engaging place for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Among the new artworks is a striking pink flamingo mural at Greenvale Street by London-based artist, Woskerski. This piece is a tribute to the iconic Flamingo Ballroom - a legendary local venue that once hosted music greats such as The Rolling Stones and Roy Orbison. The mural is a nod to Ballymena’s vibrant cultural history, evoking fond memories for past generations while adding a piece of fresh and dynamic artwork for today’s visitors.
Church Street also received an uplift with a new mural entitled “Onwards and Upwards” by Peaball. This piece symbolises determination and drive to surpass personal limits while celebrating adventure and exploration. Shane O’Driscoll has painted an abstract mural along 53 Ballymoney Street that celebrates the River Braid, local agriculture and the market town in a nod to Ballymena’s heritage.
The street art project is part of a wider initiative aimed at:
- Enhancing the appearance of Ballymena town centre
- Encouraging footfall and economic activity
- Creating more inviting and attractive public spaces
- Strengthening community pride and local heritage connections
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Public art has the power to transform spaces, and these new artworks in Ballymena are a fantastic example of how creativity can enhance our town centres. This initiative brings colour, vibrancy, and a sense of identity to the heart of the community, making Ballymena an even more welcoming place. My department is delighted to support projects like this, which not only celebrate local heritage but also contribute to the revitalisation of our town centres.”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, welcomed the new artworks, adding: "These fantastic additions to Ballymena’s streetscape brighten our town centre and celebrate important aspects of local history. Public art plays a crucial role in revitalising urban spaces, making them more welcoming for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. We are proud to support initiatives that bring creativity and culture into our towns."
Clare Moore, Business Engagement Officer at Ballymena BID, said: “We’re thrilled to see these striking new artworks bringing fresh energy and colour to Ballymena town centre. They not only celebrate our rich local heritage but also create a more vibrant and engaging environment for shoppers, businesses, and visitors.
“Already, they’ve become real talking points, sparking conversations, encouraging exploration, and adding a new sense of excitement to the town. At Ballymena BID, we’re proud to support initiatives that enhance the town centre experience and help drive footfall for our local businesses.”