Craft fair marquee will fill Guildhall square

Elaine Griffin, Derry City Council’s event organizer said: “We are very excited about the location of this year’s event. The marquee is set to fill the entire Guildhall square and the inside will be decorated in an opulent fashion giving shoppers a unique Christmas retail experience right in the city centre.

“The Craft Fair has become a focal event for our local producers to seize the opportunity to promote and sell their work, whilst networking with other producers from across the Island.

“Artists will display a wide range of textiles, knitwear, literature, jewelry, ceramics and more and many will be on hand to answer any queries or offer advice to ensure shoppers find exactly what they are looking for.”

Each year the Craft Fair brings together the best of contemporary and traditional craft products from all over the island of Ireland right to the heart of the city.

With its traditional home - the Guildhall - under renovation, the event has been moved outdoors to the stunning setting of Guildhall Square which will house the Craft Fair within a purpose built marquee from Friday 16th until Sunday 18th November

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “Over the past 18 years the Craft Fair has become an event that really shows-off our local creative talent providing them with the ideal opportunity to promote and sell their goods in advance of the busiest shopping period of the year.

“Over 4000 people attended last year’s event and it is anticipated that this year’s Craft Fair will be bigger and better creating a wonderful seasonal atmosphere to the heart of the city centre.

“It marks the beginning of a series of Christmas events in the city as we also look forward to the big Christmas Lights Switch On and welcoming the Christmas Market to Guildhall Square in December.”

The historic city walls are set to provide a beautiful backdrop to the event so whether it’s that a one off present, something really special or some stocking fillers with a difference, the Guildhall Craft Fair brings it all together for you in the wonderful setting of the city’s civic square.

The Craft Fair will run from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th November. Admission is £1 per adult with free admission to children under 14. Opening hours are 2pm – 8pm (Friday 16th), 10am – 6pm (Saturday 17th) and 11an – 5pm (Sunday 18th). For more information view www.derrycity.gov.uk/crafts

The Big Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Wednesday 21st November with the Christmas Markets rolling out in the city centre from 1st – 22nd December.