THE final Walled City Market for 2017 will take place this Saturday, December 2, at Guildhall Square when it opens with a special focus on Christmas with lots of food and crafts that will make ideal festive treats or gifts.The popular food and craft market this month fittingly coincides with Small Business Saturday, the national campaign which encourages people to shop local and support the smaller businesses who face increasing competition from larger retailers.
Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council the market takes place on the first Saturday of the month every month from February through to December from 11am.
This month’s market will stay open until 8pm to allow visitors to enjoy the Sound of Light Christmas Procession that is taking place as part of the Council’s festive programme of events in the run up to Christmas.
Now in its third year, the magical Sound of Light Christmas Procession is a highlight of this year’s Christmas celebrations and a welcome addition to the market that will enhance the experience for traders and customers.
The Walled City Market is held in Guildhall Square and offers a wide range of speciality food traders with fresh breads, meat, homemade jams and preserves as well as handcrafted products such as textiles and paintings.
Among the many local traders taking part this weekend are: Granny Knitter, C&M’s Pantry, Living Crystal, Willow Studios, Curry Sauce NI, Mallow Mia, Amara Dexter Cattle, Crepes N Coffee, Better Brews, Watercolours by Noeleen, Keltic Slates, Rainbow Tie-Dye, Number 9 Creations, Nancy Strumpet, SD Bell & Co, Holdens, Doorish Art & Crafts, Bake N Joy, German Grill, Coffee N Cream.
Duff balloons will also be joining the market from 11am to 4pm with Children’s characters from 2pm to 4pm.
Some of the traders taking part in the monthly market are also taking part in the Winterland Market organised as part of the Council’s Christmas offering and which takes place from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 December with festive food and gift idea stalls, live music and children’s entertainment.
Nicolle Walters is the Council’s Market Development Officer – she said: “The market has been a great success and we are hoping that the last market of the season will be well supported by the local community and that it will be another busy Saturday trading for the stall holders.”
She explained that the market is a significant investment by Council in supporting and showcasing local businesses and encouraging local producers to promote their products.
“It’s also an important way of encouraging additional footfall into the Guildhall Square, encouraging people to shop local and to come out into the city centre.
“We are delighted that the market is now a popular attraction for visitors to the city.
The market will be up and running again in February 2018. Anyone interesting in finding out more about trading at the market are asked to contact Nicolle at [email protected] or Tel: 02871 376506.
For more information on the markets visit www.derrystrabane.com/markets
For more information on the Sound of Light Procession and the Winterland Market visit- www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
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