The Ballance House - Ulster New Zealand Trust

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

Events running at the Ballance House from September 2026

For further information on these Events or to book a Workshop, email [email protected].

• Introduction to Textile Weaving, Sat 19 Sept, 10.30 – 12 .30 pm . Use a peg loom to weave a small coaster or two, or a mug rug using a mix of fibres. Make a colourful 'Ojo de Dios' symbol using locally sourced willow and Donegal yarns. Suitable for beginners. All materials provided. Tea/coffee available from 10.15 am. £15 per person.

• Autumn Fair, Sat 3 Oct, 12 – 4 pm. Featuring conjuring & illusion with L'il Magic Shows for the kids, plus music from Lisburn & Banbridge Ukes from 12 noon. Craft Fair with local makers, plus a tasty selection of Armagh apples & juice for sale. Exhibition & Tea Barn open.

• Crochet Workshop, Fri 23 Oct, 10.30 – 12.30 pm. This popular workshop is suitable for beginners or those looking to develop existing skills. Materials provided. Tea/coffee available from 10.15 am. £15 per person.

• Glass Upcycling Workshops, Sat 14 Nov, 10.30 – 12.30 pm
Transform ordinary glass bottles & jars into beautiful shabby chic creations using painting & decoupage techniques. Bring along 2 glass bottles or jars and we’ll provide everything else you need. Tea/coffee available from 10.15 am. £7 per person.

• Christmas & Santa, Sat 28 Nov, 11 – 3.30 pm
Join us for some festive entertainment. Santa will meet you in our fire-lit 19th century Parlour with a Christmas gift. Enjoy a complimentary festive drink and browse our seasonal Craft Fair. Exhibition tours & Tea Barn open. Booking Santa highly advised at www.theballancehouse.com from 4 October.

The Ballance House is also available to book for group visits, private family celebrations, creative/craft workshops, talks and meetings. Please email to enquire.

07/09/2026

The Ballance House, Exhibition & Tea Barn is open for European Heritage Open Day, Sun 13 Sept, 2-5 pm.

See our restored Victorian Parlour, ‘Half a World Away’ Exhibition and restored Farm Machinery display. No booking required. Tea/coffee available.

Love Heritage NI

24/08/2026

We’re open this coming Sunday 30 August, 2 – 5 pm for tours of The Ballance House & Exhibition. Experience 19th century rural living and find out about local people who played a pivotal role in developing New Zealand. Finish your visit with a look at our restored farming machinery exhibition and a cup of tea in our tea barn. (Last public open afternoon for this season).

21/08/2026

Pregnancy Wellness Retreat with MamaFit NI
Venue: The Ballance House
Sat 26 September

A morning of movement, creativity, connection and calm - a special retreat designed to support you through pregnancy and help you feel prepared, empowered and nurtured as you journey towards motherhood.

Join us for a beautiful, intimate experience at the tranquil Ballance House in Glenavy, where you’ll have space to slow down, connect with other mums-to-be and enjoy some well deserved time for yourself.

Book here:
https://www.mamafitni.co.uk/service-page/pregnancy-wellness-retreat-26th-sept?referral=service_list_widget

www.mamafitni.co.uk

18/08/2026

New Crochet Workshop added - Friday 23 October.

This popular workshop is suitable for beginners or those looking to develop existing skills. Materials provided. Starting at 10.15 am with tea/coffee until 12.30 pm. £15 per person.

Places limited. To book, email [email protected].

16/08/2026

Learn to use a peg loom as a beginner at the Textile Weaving Workshop on Sat 19 Sept 10.30 - 12.30 pm, in The Ballance House, Lisburn Rd, Glenavy.

Come home having woven small coasters or mug rugs using mixed fibres, and make a colourful ‘Ojo de Dios' symbol using locally sourced willow and Donegal yarns. Ideal for beginners and all materials provided.

£15 course fee, including tea/coffee from 10.15 am; just a few spaces left. To book email [email protected].

11/08/2026

Congratulations to Leslie from Anahilt who won the hamper (thanks Eurospar, Glenavy!) at our recent Strawberry Fayre and Allana from Belfast who won the competition M&S voucher.

Thanks also to Tesco Community who sponsored the strawberries and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for supporting the event.