SOLD OUT BALLYMENA FASHION SHOW PUTS TOWN CENTRE STYLE CENTRE STAGE
The runway was ready, the seats were full and Ballymena Town Centre brought the style.
The Ballymena Autumn/Winter Fashion Show returned to The Braid on Friday 9th October for its fourth year and, once again, it was a sell-out.
More than 200 fashion lovers came together for a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible fashion and accessories available right here in Ballymena Town Centre, with independent boutiques, independent department stores and high street favourites sharing the runway and showing exactly what Autumn/Winter 2026 looks like in Ballymena.
Back for her second year as host and stylist, Rebecca McKinney took this year’s theme, Romanticising Autumn/Winter, and brought it to life on the catwalk.
From everyday looks and seasonal staples to statement pieces, accessories and style for every occasion, the runway was packed with Autumn/Winter inspiration.
And that’s what the Ballymena Fashion Show is really about. Celebrating what we have, discovering somewhere new and reminding people of the fantastic fashion and choice available locally.
The style certainly wasn’t limited to the runway either, with guests embracing the occasion and bringing plenty of Autumn/Winter style of their own.
A huge congratulations goes to Lynn, who was crowned the evening’s Best Dressed winner, taking home £150 gift card for the town sponsored by the Ballymena Gift Card*.
Lesley McCaughan of Follow Coffee and Chair of Ballymena BID’s Marketing Group said:
“There’s something really special about seeing a packed room of people excited about fashion and, more importantly, seeing Ballymena Town Centre absolutely shine.
“What a night! The atmosphere was fantastic, the fashion was incredible and Ballymena retailers really showed just how much style and choice we have right here in the town. Seeing it all come together on the runway and the reaction from the audience was just brilliant.
“And now we want everyone to keep that feeling going. Romanticise your Autumn/Winter wardrobe. Take your time browsing. Try things on. Meet someone for coffee or lunch. Discover a shop you haven’t been in before and make a day of it in Ballymena Town Centre.
“A huge thank you to every retailer who took part and trusted us with their collections, and to everyone who joined us and made Ballymena’s fourth Fashion Show another sell out. Ballymena, you looked fabulous!”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “It is fantastic to see local businesses come together and showcase the fashion available in the town centre.
“I hope everyone enjoyed the fun and excitement of the show and has identified items and gifts to purchase in Ballymena, a retail hub which offers plenty of choice.”
Guests also went home with a few added extras. Love Ballymena gifted every attendee a LOVE Ballymena tote bag, while Rituals once again ensured there was something fabulous waiting in every guest goodie bag. Rituals has supported the Ballymena Fashion Show since its very first year, sponsoring the guest goodie bags for all four shows. Ballymena BID extended a special thank you to the Rituals team for continuing to back the event and helping make the goodie bags such a popular part of the Fashion Show experience.
The evening also supported Turning Point NI, with an amazing raffle made possible by the generosity of local businesses who donated prizes. The raffle raised £1340, with all proceeds going to Turning Point NI. A huge thank you goes to every business that generously donated a raffle prize, as well as everyone who bought tickets on the night and helped support this local charity.
And while the lights may have gone down on another Ballymena Fashion Show, Autumn/Winter in Ballymena is only getting started.
Ballymena BID and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council would like to thank every participating retailer, sponsor, raffle prize donor and everyone who bought a ticket and helped make the fourth Ballymena Autumn/Winter Fashion Show another sell out.
Here’s to romanticising Autumn/Winter and celebrating everything Ballymena Town Centre has to offer.
