The first ever Ballymena Pride parade has taken place hours after a man was arrested as slurry was spread on a road in the town.
Organisers say the Mid and East Antrim Pride parade is an effort to celebrate “diversity, inclusion, and cross-community unity.” They added: “This event is not just about celebrating diversity, but also about building bridges across communities and showcasing the openness and kindness that define the people of this area.
“We as a collective simply believe that the true diversity that exists within our area deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.”
The Co Antrim event follows a number of other new Pride events that have emerged in towns across Northern Ireland in recent years, including Omagh Pride, Causway Pride, and Fermanagh Pride.
The PSNI say officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area of the town observed slurry on the road at around 2.55am on Saturday, June 28.
A police statement added: “A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade/point. He remains in police custody at this time. The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland condemned the incident. She said: 鈥淚 want to unreservedly condemn those who spread slurry on the streets of Ballymena ahead of the town鈥檚 first-ever Pride parade today,鈥 she said.
鈥淭here is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt, or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity, and community.
鈥淚 have spoken directly with the parade organisers and the PSNI, and our team has engaged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to ensure cleansing takes place urgently and the route is made safe and welcoming for all.
鈥淏allymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.
鈥淚 would urge anyone with any information about the incident to contact police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.鈥
Following the arrest, police said there would be an “increased police presence in Ballymena to ensure everyone鈥檚 safety” during the parade. As it made its way through the town, the parade saw a protest against it at the bandstand by religious groups.
A PSNI statement added: “Police would remind everyone to follow the instructions of officers, respect others and follow our advice on protests and parading available online. Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community.
“We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.”
Take a look through our photo gallery below for pictures from the historic first Ballymena Pride. All images from Jonathan Porter/PressEye.