Mid and East Antrim Pride will hold its annual parade in Ballymena this Saturday, 20 June 2026, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed. The event is expected to cause traffic disruption and road closures in the town centre.

Participants will assemble in the Waveney Road area from approximately 1pm. The procession will begin at 2pm and follow a route along Galgorm Road, towards the Pentagon, then through Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street, and Greenvale Street. It is scheduled to end by 3pm.

The PSNI will have an increased presence in Ballymena during the event. Officers will be on duty to ensure public safety and have asked attendees and the public to follow police instructions and to respect others. Specific guidance on processions and protests is available on the PSNI website.

Police described Pride as an important occasion for LGBT+ people and their allies. They said the service is committed to ensuring that LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim feel represented and supported. Anyone who reports an incident, particularly a hate crime, will be treated with fairness and respect, the PSNI added.

Separate protest activity is also planned for the Broughshane Street and Harmony Hub areas during the parade. The police said this activity is expected to remain peaceful.