A cherry tree designated the 'Tree of Hope' was planted in People's Park, Ballymena, on 27 February 2026, to commemorate the millions murdered during the Holocaust. The tree is accompanied by an inscribed plaque.

The civic ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, and attended by pupils from Cambridge House Grammar School. The event took place in People's Park and involved the pupils in the planting.

The ceremony aligned with the 2026 Holocaust Memorial Day theme of 'Bridging Generations', which emphasises intergenerational understanding. Civic leaders and young people participated together to honour the memory of Holocaust victims.

Mayor Minford stated that the tree serves as a reminder of strength emerging from dark times and represents a commitment to understanding, kindness, and peace. He noted the involvement of schools to help students connect historical lessons to the present and foster empathy across generations.

The tree is now permanently located in People's Park as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope.