Church Street held its open day on Thursday 7th November and once again it was a great success. This event is organised annually by the traders in Church Street and attracts visitors from all over Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and even Scotland.

L-R: Alan Stewart (Chamber Vice President), Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, Sammy Small (Style and Sport) and William Alexander (The Gift Box)

The Mayor of Ballymena Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE was one of the thousands thronging the streets. She said “I was in the town just after 10.00am and I could not believe the number of people about. The atmosphere was superb. I visited a number of shops and they were all busy with long queues of people snapping up the bargains. This is a great day in Ballymena and helps cement Ballymena’s reputation as the premier shopping destination in Northern Ireland. I congratulate everyone involved in the organisation”

L-R: Joanne and Ben Morrow (Woodsides Pharmacy), Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, Alan Stewart (Chamber Vice President) and William Alexander (The Gift Box)

Chamber President Thomas McKillen (McKillens Footwear) said “This has been another hugely successful day. We were busy all day – indeed people were queuing before we even opened”.

Thomas Wallace (Wallace’s Fashions and Footwear) was equally pleased. “This has been one of the best days trading we have ever experienced. The crowds were bigger than ever and it is brilliant to see so many people in Ballymena”.