The state-of-the-art Centre, which Prince Charles was tasked with officially opening, was completed at the end of January and includes two arts workshops, a studio theatre, refreshment bar and café, and a permanent exhibition gallery featuring the history of Ballymena and its hinterland.

View video of the complex

On their arrival, after taking a few moments to wave to the onlookers, their Royal Highnesses were greeted by The Rt Hon The Lord O'Neill TD, The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, who introduced to a line-up of special guests including Dr Ian Paisley and his wife, Eileen, and Lady Juliet Frazer, Sheriff of County Antrim.

During the engagement, Maurice Watterson, Acting Chief Executive of Ballymena Borough Council accompanied HRH, The Prince of Wales while Ronnie McBride, Council Director of Development of Leisure and Culture Services accompanied HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall.

Beginning a tour of the new building, His Royal Highness had the opportunity to speak with a number of senior citizens attending a painting and clay modelling class, while The Duchess of Cornwall met a number of senior citizens attending a traditional craftwork class.

In the Main Gallery, the Royal couple took the opportunity to view the current exhibition, "Faces of Change" depicting themes relating to "The Distant Past" and "Patterns of History", the background to which was explained by William Blair, Museum Services Manager.

They also spoke to local school children before moving to the Exhibition Gallery where they listened to an overview of the exhibits depicting the "Myths and Folklore of Mid Antrim" before meeting with members of borough council staff and invited guests from throughout the borough.

After unveiling a plaque to commemorate their visit and before leaving the borough bound for Bushmills, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales was presented with a gift of a watercolour of The Braid River by local Artist Gregory Moore while HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was presented with a posy of flowers by Sam Lau, pianist with Ballymena Chamber Orchestra and Young Musician of the Year finalist.