Bear-ry merry Christmas from Ballymena!

Preparing for the Ballymena Bear Preview on Thursday 10th November 2016 is the star of the show himself, Ballymena Bear with his companion Rachel Stevenson. Photo credit: Helen Stevenson.

Following on from its heartwarming quest last Christmas to be reunited with its owner in a touching seasonal film, this year 200 members of the public and their families will have the opportunity to be the very first viewers to see what the bear gets up to this year.

This FREE preview event at the Braid Centre is open to everyone, just apply online at EventBrite.co.uk ‘Ballymena Means Christmas’ or via the Facebook post on ‘Ballymena Means’ where it will be on a basis of first come first served for tickets.

As part of this exclusive preview event for those attending, BID are holding a Best Dressed Bear Competition encouraging children to bring along their best dressed teddy bears.

The lucky winner will win their very own Ballymena Bear to take home and switch on the Christmas Lights with Mayor Cllr Audrey Wales MBE and a pupil from Castle Tower School.

The event, next Thursday, will begin at 5pm with a reception at the Braid followed by a showing of the highly anticipated new advert.

The Ballymena Bear became a sensation last year when it first appeared to promote the town’s Christmas festivities. T

he film was made by Ballymena-based Grafters Design Studio, while the bear was made by Michele Lowry of local gift shop Penny & Rose from linen supplied by Baird McNutt, also based in the town.