NW traders report Clipper business boom

Noeleen Hegarty from ‘Noeleen’s Watercolours’ said: “Promoting my paintings at the Maritime Festival was an amazing experience! It was my first time at this event and I sold over 30 paintings and received really good feedback.”

Jennifer Oldcroft from market stall Granny Knitter said: “To say it was fantastic is an understatement. I was almost sold out, the atmosphere was electric and the buzz was amazing. Nicolle Walters and her team from Derry City and Strabane District Council really went out of their way to make sure all traders were happy. I look forward to attending the next event.”

Marion O’Brien from Better Brews, said: “The huge crowd of people that attended led to great sales on a daily basis for my coffee van. I was very impressed by the organisational skills and helpfulness of the Walled City Market staff.

“This was a great event for local traders from a financial perspective and a very enjoyable social event because of the beautiful location and entertainment provided.”

Mallow Mia stall owner, Linda McClean, saw the Maritime Market as “a fabulous opportunity to introduce my products to so many new customers. On top of sales during the event I also received a lot of requests to supply marshmallows for weddings, birthdays & other parties.”

Peter Robson, who had his Living Crystal stall at the market, said: “Set up, take down and support from the Council was excellent in all aspects.

“The marketing opportunity for me was also excellent as I was able to distribute over 1000 business cards and I have already had call backs after the event, Sales were down slightly than the last maritime in 2014 but I just put this down to the bad weather. Overall I’m very happy with the whole event.”

Crepes n Coffee owner Bernadette Murphy said: “It highlighted the best from local traders and the city as a whole. Attending the market certainly helped to promote awareness among visitors and locals who may have been unfamiliar with our produce.”

The next Walled City Market is due to take place on Saturday, August 6 in Guildhall Square. Customers can look forward to the very best of artisan traders, with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from Dexter beef burgers, street food, homemade jams, breads and cakes and handmade crafted products.

The market will operate from 10am to 4pm and there will also be family entertainment from Krazy Karts. For more information about the market visit