Everything you need to know about the new Glengormley Christmas Market

Glengormley's Christmas Market in the Park is set to take place this weekend - bringing free entertainment, food from local businesses and even some festive warm mulled wine.
Kevin McCourt (Knags Prestige Catering), Nicole Garland (Bellevue), Iain Patterson (President of Glengormley Chamber of Trade), Paula McClinton (Bellevue) and David Kirkland (Wippy Yo) share some of the treats that will be on offer at the market with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott.Kevin McCourt (Knags Prestige Catering), Nicole Garland (Bellevue), Iain Patterson (President of Glengormley Chamber of Trade), Paula McClinton (Bellevue) and David Kirkland (Wippy Yo) share some of the treats that will be on offer at the market with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott.
Kevin McCourt (Knags Prestige Catering), Nicole Garland (Bellevue), Iain Patterson (President of Glengormley Chamber of Trade), Paula McClinton (Bellevue) and David Kirkland (Wippy Yo) share some of the treats that will be on offer at the market with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott.

This weekend Lilian Bland Community Park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with a host of Christmas activities.

Local businesses are preparing to descend upon the festive market, including the Bellevue, Knags, The Loft, Flowers by Reids, and Wippy Yo.

Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar and Serendipity at Home will also have lots of Christmas food, drink and gifts available on their stalls.

The weekend’s festivities also includes free family entertainment for everyone - featuring Christmas games, face painting, arts and crafts, and even a free carousel and swinging chairs, to ensure all ages get into the festive spirit.

Children can also visit Santa in his grotto from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, with kids aged 11 and under set to receive a free treat from Santa.

Meanwhile, in keeping with the December theme of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016, you will be able to visit the bar and treat yourself to a delicious warm glass of mulled wine or sample a continental beer.

Just be warned that the bar is set to close 15 minutes before the event ends each night.

Visitors are warned there will be no car parking available at Lilian Bland Community Park, with parking available only for blue badge holders.

However there will be a park and ride facility in operation during the market at Tesco Northcott for visitors to the market.

The news of Glengormley’s new festive offering comes as Belfast’s Christmas Market was forced to implement ‘crowd control’ measures at the weekend after experiencing ‘unprecedented’ visitor numbers.

The market released a statement on Saturday evening, warning crowds to expect a ‘short wait’ if attending, as they aimed to provide a ‘safe and positive experience.’

Glengormley’s Christmas Market in the Park takes place on Saturday, December 3 from 12pm to 8pm and Sunday, December 4 from 1pm to 7pm.

For more information, visit the Get into Glengormley Facebook page.