Christmas market in full swing at Guildhall

LONDONDERRY’S first designated Christmas Market is now in full swing with stalls in Guildhall Square and Waterloo place bustling with locals and visitors as they experience eveything from traditional Bratwurst, French pancakes and gourmet burgers to homemade seafood chowder.

Browse through the stalls of handmade winter woollens, Christmas gifts and decorations while keeping warm with a hot mulled wine, non alcoholic punch or the best barista coffee in town

Relax in the refreshment and bar area or take time out to enjoy some live music over the following number of weekends featuring the best of local talent from the city and region for a designated performance stage in Waterloo place.

Q102 will also be broadcasting from the Market this Saturday bring their blend of festive fun and music right to the heart of the city.

Parents and families can come along and enjoy Christmas Decoration Art Workshops hosted by Kid Art which will be held at various times over the weekend (4 – 7pm, Fridays/ 11am – 2pm and 3 – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays).

Perfect for getting tips on creating unique decorations for the home this Christmas. Libraries NI will also host Christmas Storytelling each Saturday from 10 – 11am which will get young and old into the Christmas spirit before spending the day shopping for gifts for loved ones.

Christmas is also a time for giving and this weekend Foyle Search and Rescue will be out and about raising funds for their vital local service. Chosen as part of this year’s Mayor’s Charity appeal, Foyle Search and Rescue members will be situated throughout Guildhall Square and Waterloo place and the Mayor has asked people to donate what they can.

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “Christmas is a time where people are spending a lot of money for gifts for their loved ones. I would ask members of the public to remember those who may be grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas and donate what they can to the Foyle Search and Rescue as they collect for their charity in the Christmas market this weekend.”

The Guildhall Christmas Market runs until Saturday, December 22 features a vintage fun-fair, Santa’s Grotto and the opportunity to have your picture taken from inside a Snow Globe – making it a perfect festive day out for all the family.

Looking ahead to other Christmas events in the city a ‘Help Santa Save Christmas’ will take place in Ebrington Square from Monday 17th – Sunday 23rd December each evening from 5 – 9pm.

Organised by Ilex this free interactive family attraction brings children and parents through a festive experience to help ‘Santa Save Christmas’, featuring spectacular fire and pyrotechnic displays each evening. For more details visit www.festivetime.com.