Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli added a touch of French flair to the Maritime Festival
BOOMING BRILLIANT! That’s how local market traders feel after the recent Maritime Markets which took place as part of the Foyle Maritime Festival.
And for those of you who enjoyed sampling the local fare, then you will be delighted to hear the monthly market is taking place next Saturday, August 6.
Running daily throughout the festival, the Maritime Market was a combination of the monthly Walled City Market and the Continental Market, with a fabulous range of produce on offer.
From authentic local dishes to tastes from right across the globe, taste buds certainly weren’t disappointed with a month watering array of food to sample.
And adding a touch of French flair was top chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
With thousands of people travelling to the city to enjoy the many festivities, local traders benefited from the huge crowds, with some running out of produce so strong was trade.
Noeleen Hegarty from ‘Noeleen’s Watercolours’ is delighted at how good business was.
“Promoting my paintings at the maritime festival was an amazing experience! It was my first time at this event and I sold over 30 paintings and received really good feedback.”
“Also attending the Maritime Market for the first time was Jennifer Oldcroft from market stall Granny Knitter. Jennifer adds;
“To say it was fantastic is an understatement. I was almost sold out, the atmosphere was electric and the buzz was amazing.
“Nicolle Walters and her team from Derry City and Strabane District Council really went out of their way to make sure all traders were happy. I look forward to attending the next event.”
Marion O’Brien from Better Brews, agrees that attending the Maritime Market was a “wonderful experience.”
Marion adds; “The huge crowd of people that attended led to great sales on a daily basis for my coffee van. I was very impressed by the organisational skills and helpfulness of the Walled City Market staff.
“This was a great event for local traders from a financial perspective and a very enjoyable social event because of the beautiful location and entertainment provided.”
Mallow Mia stall owner Linda McClean saw the Maritime Market as “a fabulous opportunity to introduce my products to so many new customers.
“On top of sales during the event I also received a lot of requests to supply marshmallows for weddings, birthdays & other parties.”
Trading was also good for Peter Robson, who had his Living Crystal stall at the market;
“Set up, take down and support from the Council was excellent in all aspects.
“The marketing opportunity for me was also excellent as I was able to distribute over 1000 business cards and I have already had call backs after the event.
“Sales were down slightly than the last maritime in 2014 but I just put this down to the bad weather. Overall I’m very happy with the whole event.”
Crepes n Coffee owner Bernadette Murphy felt proud to be part of the market and says that it “highlighted the best from local traders and the city as a whole. Attending the market certainly helped to promote awareness among visitors and locals who may have been unfamiliar with our produce.”
The next Walled City Market is due to take place on Saturday 6th August in Guildhall Square.
Customers can look forward to the very best of artisan traders, with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from Dexter beef burgers, street food, homemade jams, breads and cakes and handmade crafted products.
The market will operate from 10am to 4pm and there will also be family entertainment from Krazy Karts. For more information about the market visit
www.derrystrabane.com/walledcitymarket
