Brownlow Castle setting for Lurgan Action Cancer Group's Christmas Craft Fair

Running from 10am to 3pm, the event promises a fun-filled day for all the family, featuring over 25 local crafters, live festive music from ukulele group Strings and Sings, and a special visit from Santa between 12pm and 2pm.

The event, established by Lurgan woman, Eleanor Hamilton, in 2019, is coordinated by dedicated local volunteer fundraisers, with all proceeds going directly towards Action Cancer’s cancer support services in the local area. Since the group was formed they have already raised an incredible £20,000 for the charity.

Eleanor said: “We are absolutely delighted to be back with the Action Cancer Christmas Craft Fair, with all money raised going towards maintaining the vital support services that Action Cancer provides here in the town.

"Many people may not realise that Action Cancer offers free breast screening to women aged 40–49 and over 70 — age groups not currently covered by the NHS screening programme.

"I’m now in my early seventies, so knowing that this free, life-saving service is available to people my age and older brings such peace of mind and that, truly, is priceless.

"Not only that but the charity also offers a skin cancer detection service which has already been accessed by over 5,500 people since it started in 2023.”

Every year, Action Cancer aims to breast screen 7,500 women at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra. For every 1,000 women screened, an average of six breast cancers are detected — often at an early and treatable stage.

This life-saving work is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of the public and local businesses across Northern Ireland.

Mark Irwin-Watson, Action Cancer’s Community Groups Executive, added: “Having grown up in Lurgan, it was always my intention that once I began working for Action Cancer, I would try and make some kind of a positive difference in my hometown — to bring a bit of joy to local people while supporting Action Cancer and helping to improve the lives of those affected by a cancer diagnosis.

"Thanks to events like this we have been able to bring the Big Bus, our mobile breast screening here, to locations across Lurgan, including here at Brownlow Castle, so local people could access the service without having to travel to Belfast.

"We’re really looking forward to returning to Brownlow Castle for our sixth year. As always, we’re incredibly grateful to David Martin, whose support over the past five years has meant so much to Action Cancer. I can honestly say the afternoon is a true festive treat, and I would encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun”.

Also lending her support to the event is Anouska Black, International United Ms Northern Ireland 2025/26.

Anouska said: “I believe in using my title to inspire and encourage others. Being a role model means actively giving back, and I’m delighted to once again support the Lurgan Action Cancer Group this year.

"The fact that one in two of us will experience cancer in our lifetime is a truly sobering statistic. By raising funds and supporting Action Cancer Lurgan, we can make a real difference in people’s lives. The Action Cancer Christmas Craft Fair, set in such a beautiful location right on our doorstep, is an event not to be missed. I encourage everyone to come along, show their support and sharing that special festive feeling!”

Action Cancer has been at the heart of cancer prevention, detection and support for people in Northern Ireland for the last 50 years. The services that Action Cancer provide are free to the user but come at a cost to the charity of £4 million every year.

These services include an early detection breast screening clinic, therapeutic services for people living with a cancer diagnosis, as well as people supporting a loved one with a diagnosis and a range of health improvement services. These can be accessed from Action Cancer House in Belfast or from 14 regional locations and on board the Big Bus.

In the last five years, the Big Bus has visited the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council area 120 times in the last five years, bringing potentially lifesaving support directly to local residents.

All of Action Cancer’s services are free of charge and funded entirely through community fundraising. If you or anyone you know could benefit from the charity's support services please visit www.actioncancer.org.