The annual Civic Service which celebrates the life of the Borough of Ballymena is to be held in St Patrick’s Church, Castle Street, on Sunday May 31 at 11.30am.

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie, will be in attendance along with the Mayor of the newly formed Borough of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Billy Ashe.

All the members of the Council have been invited along with representatives from many bodies both statutory and voluntary. All members of the wider community are also very welcome to attend.

Ballymena Silver Band will assist with the music and a choir from Braidside Integrated School will also participate.  The lessons are to be read by the Mayor and by Ivy Goddard MBE, Project Director of Ballymena Inter-Ethnic Forum. The prayers will be led by young people from all the local secondary schools and the preacher is to be The Very Rev John Mann, Dean of Belfast.  The offertory this year will go to support the work of Good Morning Ballymena

This Civic Service has been running for many years and draws together many people from throughout the community.  All are welcome to come and participate in this act of worship and celebration of community life.