The Mid and East Antrim Pride event is set to take place in Ballymena this Saturday, 20th June 2026, which will result in localized traffic disruption and several road closures across the town centre.

Participants are scheduled to assemble in the Waveney Road area at approximately 1.00pm, with the procession officially commencing at 2.00pm. The planned route will take the parade along Galgorm Road towards the Pentagon, continuing through Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street, and Greenvale Street, before concluding at 3.00pm.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will deploy an increased presence in Ballymena throughout the day to maintain public safety. Officials are reminding attendees and the public to follow all instructions provided by officers on duty, remain respectful of others, and consult the service's official guidelines regarding public processions. Pride represents a significant occasion for the local LGBT+ community and its allies. The PSNI has emphasized its commitment to ensuring members of the LGBT+ community in Mid and East Antrim feel fully represented and supported by the police, reassuring the public that any reported incidents—particularly those involving hate crime—will be handled with fairness and respect.

Additionally, members of the public are advised that separate protest activity is scheduled to take place concurrently in the areas of Broughshane Street and the Harmony Hub. These demonstrations are currently expected to remain peaceful.

Further guidance regarding public processions and demonstrations can be found online at: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/processions-and-protests.

Information regarding how the police service supports and responds to victims of gender identity or sexual orientation hate crime is available at: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/hate-crime.