Ballymoney is gearing up for a vibrant Easter Monday celebration, with detailed plans in place to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The event promises to showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage, featuring a grand parade that is expected to attract participants from across the region and beyond.
Transport Arrangements
All buses will enter Ballymoney via the Portrush Road roundabout. Participants are requested to disembark efficiently along the Portrush Road, situated between the Semicock Road and Queens Avenue junctions. Following this, buses will turn right at the roundabout and park on the Coleraine/Newbridge Road. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Translink, and marshals will be on hand to assist with the arrangements. Attendees are urged to respect the residential area, with portaloos and bins provided for convenience.
Parade Assembly and Feeder Parades
An active feeder parade will operate from the de-bus point to the assembly field until noon. Visiting clubs and bands wishing to participate in the parade should gather in the Coleraine Road/St James Park area, beyond the roundabout adjacent to Megaw Park entrance. From there, they will proceed to the Ballymoney Showgrounds via Coleraine Road, following marshals’ instructions. Participants are reminded to ensure their bands and associated clubs are in the correct positions by 12:15 pm.
Main Parade Details
The main parade is scheduled to commence at 12:30 pm sharp, led by the Bushside Accordion Band. Following them will be representatives from various associated branch clubs and bands, including:
- Coleraine & District Amalgamated Committee
- Mid Ulster Amalgamated Committee
- County Down Amalgamated Committee
- Ballymena & District Amalgamated Committee
- Scottish Amalgamated Committee
- South Derry & East Tyrone Amalgamated Committee
- English Amalgamated Committee
- South West Ulster Amalgamated Committee
- Belfast & District Amalgamated Committee
- Apprentice Boys of Derry Parent Club
- Walker Parent Club
- Mitchelburne Parent Club
- No Surrender Parent Club
- Browning Parent Club
- Baker Parent Club
- Campsie Parent Club
- Murray Parent Club
- Branch Clubs Not Affiliated To An Amalgamated Committee
The parade will travel through Ballymoney Showgrounds, Charlotte Street, Main Street, Meeting House Street, Newal Road, Trinity Drive, John Street, Victoria Street, Linehall Street, High Street, and Coleraine Road, with the saluting base located at Ballymoney Orange Hall on High Street.
Post-Parade Arrangements
After the parade, all buses will be parked on Coleraine Road/Newbridge Road. Bands and clubs wishing to remain in Ballymoney are advised to coordinate with their bus drivers to relocate buses to the Fire Station Car Park, Market Street, or Knock Road via the A26 bypass. Once the parade concludes, buses can be moved to Townhead Street, Model School Road, or Castlecroft Car Park for easier access, helping to reduce congestion in residential areas.
The Chairman, officers, and members of the Coleraine & District Amalgamated Committee are excited to welcome attendees to Ballymoney. A significant effort has been invested to ensure this Easter Monday is more than just a parade; it aims to positively showcase the culture and heritage of the region. With 72 bands registered, the event is set to be the largest Easter Monday celebration in recent memory, inviting families from Londonderry to Fermanagh, Tyrone to Down, and beyond to partake in a week of festivities and pride.