www.ballymenafestival.org.uk

'The Festival takes place during February and March in the new Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena which has modern facilities for most major performing arts. The Festival provides a wide opportunity for performers at all stages of music, speech, drama and dance. There are two Gala Nights : the Instrumental Festival Night on the first Saturday evening of the Music weeks and the Vocal and Prizewinners Gala on the last Saturday evening.'

www.carrickfestival.co.uk

'Amateur festivals have been active for over a century in our local communities and increasing leisure time and better educational opportunities are producing many talented amateur musicians, speakers and actors. Preparing for and performing at a festival involves young people in group activity and individual achievement. They gain a deeper appreciation of their repertoire and of the work of others. Each performer receives an adjudication from an expert in the genre entered. The inspiration gained from skilled adjudicators raises standards in amateur work throughout the country and all performers should leave with a sense of achievement.'  Held Late April - Early May.

www.larnemusicfestival.com

Friends of the Festival Scheme  'Each year the Festival is an excellent means of encouraging and unearthing the vast musical talent found in Larne, its environs, and the East Antrim area. The Executive Committee needs financial support to ensure the continuance of this important event, and to that end the Friends of the Festival Scheme has been introduced. This brings together keen supporters of music who are willing to contribute £10-£40 annually to ensure that Larne Music Festival remains an integral part of the Northern Ireland Festival scene.' Festival held Early April.

www.ballymenachamberorchestra.co.uk

'BCO is a charitable organization that exists to promote classical music through concerts, festivals, schools programmes and workshops. The Orchestra consists of musicians from Ballymena and across Northern Ireland: professional musicians, teachers and advanced students, and welcomes applications for new membership. The orchestra is supported by a voluntary committee which oversees all aspects of orchestra life and development.'

www.seventowersmvchoir.com

'The Choir sings a wide range of secular and sacred music, both classical and modern. The concerts raise funds for national charities and also support smaller local ventures. The Choir has performed in the past to a wider audience in Ireland, Great Britain, Germany and Canada. Come and join us ...'

www.thirdcarrickband.co.uk

'In addition to contesting and concert performances individual members and groups have scored notable successes in various Music Festivals throughout the Province. The younger players connected with our Junior Band have been particularly successful in these events ... After a continued and consistent run of wins over a number of years a decision was made in August 2015 that the band would move up to the Championship Section after an absence of almost 30 years.'