The famous Christmas Market in the grounds of Belfast City Hall may not be with us this year, but fans will be able to visit a “Buy Belfast” virtual Christmas Market.
More than 100 Belfast businesses and entrepreneurs – the majority start-ups - are setting up their stalls in the city’s first ever virtual market, with support from Belfast Council.
The Buy Belfast Virtual Christmas Market launches on Facebook this Friday November 20 as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, and will run through the festive period until Sunday December 20.
There’s an even greater range of products on offer at the virtual market than available at the traditional City Hall market - from sweet treats, to arts and crafts, accessories and jewellery, beauty, antiques, theatre vouchers and more.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said: “The virtual Christmas Market is great for small business, and it’s great for consumers too. We’re seeing more and more that people want to shop local, support the city’s businesses and gift something really special at the same time.
“The pandemic has hit small Belfast businesses and entrepreneurs hard, so we’re supporting them by offering an online platform to showcase and sell their products ahead of Christmas.”
Lydia Hodgins of LocalBox said: “We are really looking forward to taking part in the virtual market - it's a great opportunity to bring our home deliveries of the best food and drink NI has to offer to a wider audience.
“This initiative will make it easier for people to buy from local businesses this Christmas and means they can still enjoy the experience of browsing and buying unique gifts at a market this year."
'Chief Elf' Fleur Mellor, from Elfagram, added: “We’re looking forward to reaching lots of new customers with our innovative and memorable gift of a song, delivered direct to loved ones’ doors – and our elves can’t wait to spread their festive cheer across Belfast and beyond.”
To join the “Buy Belfast Virtual Christmas Market” private Facebook group go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/1349995058676149.
If you are a Belfast-based business or entrepreneur, you can take part in the virtual market and sell your products to the public for free. To reserve a free stall call 028 9076 1030.
