Described by organisers as a vibrant day of visibility, community and celebration, the theme for this year is ‘Louder, Prouder, Stronger.’
Police have issued a traffic warning ahead of a pride parade taking place in Co Antrim this weekend.
The second Mid and East Antrim Pride is set to take place on Saturday, June 20, in Ballymena. Ahead of last year’s event, a man was arrested after slurry was spread in the Granville Drive area on the night before the parade.
Posting on social media, Mid and East Antrim Pride said they are aware of several counter-protests planned for this year, but are urging on all parade participants and spectators to join their initiative to “Block Out The Bigots.” They added: “Use your imagination, get creative, but most importantly keep yourselves and those with you safe and stay classy.”
Described by organisers as a vibrant day of visibility, community and celebration, the theme for this year is ‘Louder, Prouder, Stronger.’
Sharing a traffic warning ahead of the event, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Mid and East Antrim Pride will take place in Ballymena this Saturday 20th June, 2026. As a result, there is likely to be some disruption to traffic in the town centre, with a number of road closures in place.
“The parade is expected to assemble in the Waveney Road area at approximately one pm, and commence at two pm. It will move along Galgorm Road, towards Pentagon, and then via Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street and Greenvale Street, where it will conclude at three pm.
“There will be an increased police presence in Ballymena to ensure everyone’s safety. Police would remind everyone to follow the instructions of officers, respect others and follow our advice on protests and parading available online.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI added: “Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community.
“We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.
“Members of the public are also advised that protest activity is due to take place in the Harmony Hub and Broughshane Street areas. This activity is expected to remain peaceful.
“For more information on protests and parading please visit: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/processions-and-protests.
“Find out how the Police Service respond to victims of sexual orientation or gender identity hate crime: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/hate-crime.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login