Festive food, drink & crafts return to Royal Hillsborough for a Christmas Market

Festive food, drink & crafts return to Royal Hillsborough for a Christmas Market

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced its first Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, which will be set up along The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort over two days.

Visitors can expect a host of festive foods, gift ideas, activities and entertainment guaranteed to awaken the Christmas spirit in all adults, children and ‘Bah Humbugs’ alike!

The Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market will provide more than 50 local artisan food producers and craftspeople with a platform to showcase their unique produce and festive gifts.

The market will take place on Friday 10th December from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 11th December from 10am-3pm.

Foodies are in for a treat with the wide range of artisan producers taking part including local favourites Spontaneous Deuce, Ispini Charcuterie, Rosie McNeill Cakes and Jack’s Fudge. Other offerings include seasonal chutneys and preserves, speciality cheeses and rare breed meats, organic teas, juices and much more to fill your festive larder.

There will also be an impressive line-up of artists and designer craftspeople along The Dark Walk, with local makers including Ellie MacCandles, Wendy Ward Design, Plumpy Balms, LG Jewellery, Ruth Osborne Art and Lauren Fowler Handcrafted Company all taking part.

Marketgoers will also get the opportunity to explore the ever-popular local street-food scene in the grounds of Hillsborough Fort, with vendors including Dough Heads, The Hatch and Tribal Burger, Percy’s Coffee and Steady Neddy’s.

“Having the opportunity to showcase our home and handmade products at markets and fairs throughout Northern Ireland is extremely important for independent traders and producers alike, especially during the festive gift-buying season” said Sinead McAtamney of Ellie MacCandles.

“The Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market will have a charming and festive atmosphere for traders and visitors alike. We are delighted to be able to take part to remind marketgoers of the sheer quality and importance of shopping locally at Christmas and throughout the year.”

The sweet sounds of the Downshire Primary School Choir and Friends’ School Brass Ensemble will be on hand to open proceedings and welcome visitors to the picturesque setting. Children can partake in seasonal craft activities and there will even be a visit from Santa himself.

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market is free to attend and will take place Friday 10th December from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 11th of December from 10am-3pm. The market will be managed with COVID-19 mitigation measures in place. The advice is to wrap up warm and join the festive fun.

For more information and updates visit  www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com or @VisitLisburnCastlereagh on Instagram.