Christmas markets planned in NI towns as Covid restrictions eased

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced dates for its Christmas Markets in Carrickfergus, Larne and Ballymena.
Some Christmas markets are back onSome Christmas markets are back on
Some Christmas markets are back on

Greenvale Street in Ballymena will host a small number of local traders on Saturday, December 12 from 10am to 5pm, Sunday, December 13 from 1pm to 5pm and Monday, December 14 from 10am to 4pm.

In Larne, the market will be held at Broadway on Wednesday, December 16 from 2pm to 7pm, Thursday, December 17 from 2pm to 7pm, and Friday, December 18 from 10am to 3pm.

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Market Place in Carrickfergus, meanwhile, is the venue on Friday, December 18 from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday, December 19 from 12pm to 5pm, and Sunday, December 20 from 1pm to 5pm.

As part of the town centre recovery plan and with the emphasis on ‘shopping local’, Council’s Town Centre Recovery Group is focused on supporting local town centre businesses during these challenging times.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “This has been an extremely challenging year for local traders and residents alike.

“However, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to the health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of our residents and businesses at all times and this is especially relevant as we prepare for three Christmas Markets in the borough in coming weeks.

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“Strict measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all throughout and while things might be a little bit different than in other years, we are confident they will help spread a little bit of festive joy.”

The Christmas Artisan and Craft Markets, while traditional in spirit, will operate in strict accordance with all Public Health Agency Guidelines (PHA) and will be under constant review. Council has commissioned Urban Market NI to manage the markets in all three locations.

Social distancing measures will be in place, sanitising stations will be located throughout, and face coverings must be worn at all times.