And co-organiser of the show, "Ballymena- a Timeline of Service", Cllr Deirdre Nelson said she was both moved and delighted with the outcome.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank all those involved in making this concert such a success. This would not have been possible without the hard work of all those involved.

"The choir performed beautifully and I believe the children thoroughly enjoyed being marched in and out by their own RSM, Billy Thompson. St Louis's also were just wonderful, as were Julie Armstrong and Lindsay Murray, our soloist and accompanist.

"My son was particularly enthralled by the Cambridge House Drum Corps and by the Band of the RIR TA and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of 2RI. Indeed, I think all of us in the audience were!

"Everyone that I spoke to on Thursday or Friday was delighted to see Chelsea Pensioners in the town and they are delightful gentlemen.

"I have had a number of people pass on congratulations about the concert and I am pleased that it turned out so well.

"Initially, I had been concerned that the cross-community element may be difficult to achieve, but as it turned out, everyone pulled together and gave us huge backing. I do believe that it shows that Ballymena is moving confidently into the future and accepts that where there are differences they can be accommodated."