Larne and Carrickfergus Christmas markets dates announced

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.

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.

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.

With the emphasis on ‘shopping local’, council’s Town Centre Recovery Group is focused on supporting businesses during these challenging times.

The Mayor, 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.

“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, says council.

Council added: “Christmas in Mid and East Antrim will look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get into the festive fun with council’s packed programme of seasonal activities for all the family supporting and shopping local.

“Rediscover the #SpiritofMEA by supporting our wonderful local businesses and be assured that all the safety measures are in place to protect you and your family to shop local.

“The markets are part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Christmas celebrations so why not share your festive fun by tagging #SpiritofMEA in any social media posts which we can share online.”

Click here to read: Sunday trading laws to be relaxed across Mid and East Antrim in run up to Christmas

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