Derry and Strabane’s Christmas programming for 2024 begins in earnest this weekend when the 28th Guildhall Craft Fair returns to the city.
The annual showcase of bespoke craft items and artisan food is the biggest of its kind in Northern Ireland and is expected to attract thousands of visitors looking to source a special gift or purchase this Christmas.
To add to the festive feel, 12 local choirs will perform carols over the three day event from Friday 22nd to Sunday November 24th.
The event marks the start of a busy weekend of festive activity in the City and District that includes festive processions to turn on the Christmas lights in Derry on Friday night and the Strabane switch-on this Saturday.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, will officially open the Fair on Friday and she encouraged the public to use the opportunity to source locally made gifts this Christmas.
“I am so excited to be opening the 2024 Guildhall Craft Fair on Friday and to seeing the diverse range of craft items and artisans foods on offer from over 40 providers who are taking part.
“As a Council we are proud to be able to offer a platform for our thriving local craft scene to showcase their talent, craftmanship and creativity under the stunning backdrop of the Guildhall.
“It is also an opportunity for people to source unique gifts for their loved ones or indeed themselves and to support our local businesses and economy by gifting local.
“It is a challenging economic climate to start up and sustain a small business at the moment so I’d appreciate if people can make a conscious effort to support our crafters and the economy by shopping local this Christmas.
“Even the smallest purchase can make a big difference if we all make the effort,” she added.
Helena Hasson, Festival and Events Coordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said this year’s Fair will feature a number of exciting new exhibitors as well as 12 local choirs who will perform festive classics over the three days.
“This year’s event will feature an extensive range of gift ideas from bespoke jewellery and ceramics to beautiful woven textiles, knitwear, leather household and fashion accessories, glassware, eclectic lamps, mixed media, treats and eats.
“We are delighted to have a number of new businesses on board this year as well as our biggest ever lineup of choirs who will add to the majestic atmosphere in the Guildhall.
“With such a varied selection of crafters taking part you are guaranteed to find something special to meet all tastes so come and join us this weekend over our extended opening hours.”
Opening times for the Fair are Friday 22nd November: 10am to 6pm, Saturday 23rd November: 10am – 6pm, Sunday 24th November: 10am – 6pm.
The full list of choirs taking part is Friday: Hive Cancer Support Choir, Song for the Soul, The Villagers, Thyme to Sing. Saturday: Momentum Community Choir, North West Cancer Centre Staff Choir, Rosemount Male Voice Choir, Colmcille Choir and Sunday: Inishowen Gospel Choir, Long Tower Folk Group, Londonderry Musical Society, Encore Contemporary Choir.
The Fair marks the start of a packed programme of events to celebrate Christmas in Derry and Strabane, for more visit: Derrystrabane.com/Christmas
Profiles of the crafters and food traders involved in the 2024 Guildhall Craft Fair are available at: www.derrystrabane.com/craftfair
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