Midtown Sounds will be making a welcome return to Ballymena town centre next Saturday (February 23).
Organised in association with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Midtown Sounds celebrates local talent and provides up-and-coming artists with a platform to perform.
A range of live performances are planned at various shops and cafes and restaurants around Ballymena, as well as at the Harmony Hub.
First launched last year, Midtown Sounds received a fantastic response from artists, local traders and those who attended the gigs.
Organisers are hoping that this year’s event will be even bigger and better.
Speaking about Midtown Sounds, Ballymena BID Manager, Kathleen McBride said the feedback from last year’s event was more positive than they could have anticipated.
“With assistance from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, we have secured performances from some of the best musicians locally and from across the province and we’re delighted they have agreed to showcase their talent at Midtown Sounds.
“The town centre will be resonating to the sound and beat of young, local talent, adding to the shopping experience on Saturday afternoon,” she added.
The first event, as part of Midtown Sounds, will be on Thursday, February 21 with a screening of the highly acclaimed Bohemian Rhapsody at The Braid Arts Centre. The official launch will take place on Friday, February 22 at Follow Coffee on Greenvale Street.
Midtown Sounds officially kicks off at 11am on the Saturday with performances in over 20 local businesses.
Joe Rocks, Arts and Events Assistant at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, who is also a performer said this year’s Midtown Sounds is shaping up to be another excellent event.
“Once again, we have a high standard of performers who are some of the best up-and-coming artists in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“Seeing the success of last year’s performers, Runabay instils confidence in our performers that Midtown Sounds really is an excellent stepping stone for getting their name out there. Working in partnership with the BID strengthens the appeal of the event and we’re pleased that so many traders have once again committed their services to Midtown Sounds,” he added.
Following their performance at last year’s Midtown Sounds, local band Runabay, went on to sign a deal with AMA Music Agency and will release their debut album in 2019.
Performers this year include Ryan Price, Rebecca Hall, Conor McAuley, Jedidah Shanks, Dean McKay, Daryl Ball, Eoin Agnew and Erin Fullerton. Further acts will be announced in the run up to the event.
For more information on this year’s Midtown Sounds, check out the information below or visit the Braid Arts Centre website at www.thebraid.com, Ballymena Means website www.ballymenameans.com or Facebook @thebraidartscentre and @BallymenaMeans.