Get a taste of Lough Neagh shores as Magherafelt Christmas Market returns

For the first time ever, this year’s food and craft market is delivered by the Lough Neagh Artisans Market, in partnership with Mid Ulster District Council.

Taking place on Market Street across the two days, it will showcase a fantastic array of more than 40 producers selling artisan foods, crafts and experiences from the shores of Lough Neagh.

Producers include Bakehouse NI, Annie’s Delights, Born & Raised Waffles, Molly and Me Candles, Ballyriff Buffalo and The Salty Herb.

Stalls will be open on Saturday 26 from 11am to 10pm (street food from 6pm to 10pm) and on Sunday 27 from 1.30pm to 6pm. Bronagh from Bakehouse NI will also be carrying out demos on some Christmas menu favourites throughout the weekend.

For more detail on food and craft producers appearing over the weekend go to https://loughneaghartisans.com/market/

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Córa Corry, is looking forward to the chance to browse the stalls.

She said: “The Magherafelt Christmas Market is one of the Council’s most popular events bringing record crowds to the town every year, so it’s great to see it back again after a two-year break.

"The addition of the food, craft and experiences that the Lough Neagh Artisan Market will bring to the weekend will really elevate this year’s market. Combined with the independent retail offering that already exists in the town, everyone who comes along will get a great taste of Mid Ulster.”

To help the weekend go with a swing, local bands, schools and community organisations will perform on the civic space stage over the two days. Alongside this there will be plenty of free entertainment taking place sure to suit the whole family including face painting in the Bank of Ireland.

The Bridewell will also host plenty of festive fun including a brand new panto specially written and performed for the occasion - The Tinsel Tangle Panto, on Saturday 26 with shows from 11.30am to 5pm, costing £2.50 per person.

This year’s light switch on will take place on Saturday 26 during a spectacular Christmas themed street party on Broad Street. A spectacular fireworks display will then light up the night sky before the street party finishes.