markets - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com The authoritative voice of the grocery industry in Northern Ireland Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:45:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-NR-SIte-Icon-2-32x32.png markets - Neighbourhood Retailer https://neighbourhoodretailer.com 32 32 178129390 Derry council to fund more festivals in 2022 as Christmas markets boost footfall https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/derry-council-to-fund-more-festivals-in-2022-as-christmas-markets-boost-footfall/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:45:36 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=19861 Christmas Markets in Guildhall Square contributed to an uplift in footfall in Derry city centre in December, council members have heard.  The Christmas Markets in

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]]> Christmas Markets in Guildhall Square contributed to an uplift in footfall in Derry city centre in December, council members have heard. 

The Christmas Markets in December took on a different format to previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the intention to make it easier for traders to recoup some lost earnings by reducing stall fees, aiding in the recovery of the city and its local businesses following the lockdown.

Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture committee at their monthly meeting today heard details about the success of the Christmas Markets and plans for markets in the upcoming year.

Over two weekends in December 40 stalls were opened in Guildhall Square which was dressed to create a festive ambiance. Family friendly animation was scheduled, and live music was programmed consisting of local musicians and choirs.

The committee heard that the Walled City Market contributed to an uplift in footfall within the City Centre across the Christmas period, and that feedback from traders revealed they were happy with the programme.

Kevin O’Connor, Council’s Head of Business, then informed members of plans for markets in the city and district in the year ahead, and how it is hoped that following the easing of restrictions and a renewed sense of optimism around the trajectory of the pandemic, more markets can take place this year after a reduced programme in 2020 and 2021.

Members heard of dates planned for the Walled City Markets in Derry, markets across different sites in Strabane, and market opportunities at different events being held in 2022.

Cllr Conor Heaney, committee chair, welcomed the report and said that the markets were a valued and important asset that supported and promoted local businesses across the district.

 The council has also approved an additional £116,000 of funding for the upcoming year to support festival and event programming from organisations within the district following the Covid-19 pandemic.

At a virtual meeting of the committee, members discussed funding for Culture Grant Aid programmes including Cultural Organisations, Heritage Animation, Access Programme for Cultural Organisations, Headline Events, Community Festivals and the Artist & Cultural Practitioner Award for the coming year.

Presenting, Council’s Head of Culture, Aeidin McCarter, explained that there were a number of events that remained unfunded within the existing budget, and it was proposed that through savings accrued by the festival and events team during the pandemic, as well as other anticipated in-year savings, that an additional £116,116 could be allocated to these events that have met the threshold for this year only. Ms McCarter said that the funding would aid the Covid recovery and support the unprecedented number of quality events in the coming year.

Members were told that the proposed Cultural Grant Aid programmes will be drawn from member approved rates based budgets across the Culture department and that a one off allocation will be made to the events fund for this year only.

Welcoming the report, committee chair, Cllr Conor Heaney said providing additional funding for the Culture Grant Aid programme this year will allow local organisations to host top quality events in what will be an important year ahead.

“There are a lot of organisations who have proposed some really exciting events for the year ahead and it’s important that as a Council we support them in that. It’s great news and credit to our Council officers that we have been able to source additional funding for this year in what is a crucial period for a lot of these groups as they look to move forward from a stagnant period of events during the pandemic.” 

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]]> 19861 Christmas artisan markets create good cheer in Mid and East Antrim https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/christmas-artisan-markets-create-good-cheer-in-mid-and-east-antrim/ Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:33:56 +0000 https://neighbourhoodretailer.com/?p=19081 Artisan markets showcasing the finest fare from Mid and East Antrim will be adding some sparkle to town centres this festive season. Ballymena, Carrickfergus and

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Artisan markets showcasing the finest fare from Mid and East Antrim will be adding some sparkle to town centres this festive season.

Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne will be filled with local seasonal food, crafts and gifts so there will be no shortage of inspiration this Christmas.

Some of the traders setting up stall will include Salty Herb, The Natural Root, Castle Crafts, Plumpy Balms and Country Candles. All traders are taking card payments, so it’s a great way to spend your local high street voucher.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr William McCaughey said: “Share the festive season with our amazing local traders by celebrating and supporting local this Christmas. These markets are not only perfect for a family day out, but also to get a present that’s a bit different as well.

“It’s been tough, particularly on small businesses the past year, with events like this cancelled across the country, so what better way to get behind our local traders and help give them a boost this winter.

“This year we have fantastic entertainment in all the town centres, from the lights switch on, to live music and parades. Cafes and restaurants are gearing up to welcome you back safely this season and make it a Christmas to remember.”

Ballymena

Ballymena’s Artisan Market and seasonal live music performances, in association with Ballymena BID, will take place on Greenvale Street on:

Thursday 9th December – Sunday 12th December

Thursday 16th December – Sunday 19th December

(Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10am – 6pm / Sundays: 1pm – 6pm)

Santa and his reindeer will also be paying the market a visit on Thursday 9 December between 4.30pm and 6pm.

Larne

Larne’s Artisan Market at Broadway, featuring DJ Mark Dobbin will take place on:

Friday 26th November, 4pm – 8pm (Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 5pm)

Saturday 27th November, 11am – 5pm (walkabout characters and children’s entertainment)

Carrickfergus

Traders and music from Uplift Performing Arts will be at Market Place in Carrickfergus on:

Friday 3rd December, 4pm – 8pm (Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 5pm)

Saturday 4th December, 11am – 5pm (walkabout characters and children’s entertainment)

For more information on all of the festive events in #ASeasonToCelebrate head to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Christmas

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