Lyons announces £150,000 investment in Festive Lighting for Mid and East Antrim

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £150,000 investment in a Festive Lighting Scheme to enhance the existing schemes in the town centres of Ballymena, Larne, and Carrickfergus.

The Department for Communities is providing £135,000 while Mid & East Antrim Borough Council is contributing £15,000 to the project.

This funding will support Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to install additional seasonal lighting to improve the visual appeal of each town centre during the festive period. The initiative aims to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors, and shoppers, while also boosting local businesses by encouraging footfall and fostering community spirit. It also complements the 10-metre artificial Christmas trees funded last year, further enriching the visual appeal of each town centre.

Minister Lyons said: “This investment will help transform our town centres into bright, attractive destinations that celebrate the festive season and support local economic activity. By enhancing the physical environment, we're not only boosting civic pride but also helping our businesses thrive during one of the most important times of the year.”

There will be updated lighting on lampposts at Castle Street and Bridge Street in Ballymena, with some new lighting features at Alexander Street, Meeting House Lane and Linenhall Street.

In Larne, the lampposts along Main Street and Upper Main Street will feature new and larger, more impactful, festive lighting features.

In Carrickfergus, the Clock Tower will be illuminated and Christmas lights added along the Marine Highway promenade. In addition, a new festive lighting trail will be created in Shaftesbury Park, which will be open from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Thursday 11 December 2025.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, added: “This significant investment will ensure our Borough shines brighter than ever, creating a magical atmosphere for residents and visitors alike this festive season. These improvements are about more than lights – they're about supporting local businesses, boosting footfall, and bringing communities together in the true spirit of Christmas.”

The Festive Lighting Scheme forms part of the Department for Communities' broader commitment to revitalising urban spaces and strengthening community engagement across Northern Ireland.