One of Belfast’s biggest independent Christmas markets will return to a North Belfast site this month.
Vault Artist Studio’s Christmas market returns on December 7-8 to Carlisle Memorial Church, following a continuing partnership with Belfast Buildings Trust (BBT) after the market’s first year at the site last year.
The popular market’s future had been uncertain as the group recently relocated to two new premises, in Victoria Street and the old Shankill Mission Building, neither of which have the capacity to host the two-day event that has grown significantly over recent years.
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With yet another move in the offing, as a result of the lack of permanent artist studios spaces in Belfast, the team said they are delighted to continue their partnership with Belfast Buildings Trust to host the market in Carlisle Memorial Church.
Over the course of the weekend, the festive market, free and open to all, will feature 60+ stalls per day of Belfast’s best independent artists selling everything from jewellery; original paintings, fine art prints and photographs; ceramics and porcelain; wooden bowls and stoneware; books and zines; t-shirts, clothes and totes; fashion accessories; wax melts, diffusers and candles; textiles; vintage items and antiques; and much more.
Vault Chairperson, Linda McBurney said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Belfast Buildings Trust, an organisation with whom we share many aims, and to work in this part of the city again especially at a time when yet another studio move hangs over our organisation. Our vibrant Christmas Market gives us a huge boost as well as to all of the independent makers who join us over the course of the weekend.”
It is a chance to pick up a gift for a loved one (or to treat yourself) that you won’t find elsewhere – and to ease yourself into the Christmas period in a spectacular setting.
Vault’s performing arts line-up of roving performers, in-house DJ, and much-loved Christmas Elves, will be on hand to keep you entertained and informed. The hugely-popular raffle, already running, will continue on both days.
Meanwhile several food stalls and trucks will provide Filipino spring rolls, vegan snacks, and poutine. There will be stalls selling hot chocolate, tea and coffee and the Sunflower will provide drinks – your chance to drink in church! Dogs on leads are also allowed in the market.
Shane Quinn, Development Director of BBT, said: “Our work at Belfast Buildings Trust is all about using and reusing what makes Belfast special. It’s especially good, then, to work with the team at Vault, given their uniqueness to the city. The Vault Christmas Market is part of us working, along with others, to put creativity at the heart of how we reuse Belfast’s historic buildings.”
Vault Artist Studios, comprising over 100 multidisciplinary artists all based in Belfast, is delighted to stage this free event which is open to all.
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