'All we need now is sunshine!': Lough Neagh Artisan Market returns bigger after algal bloom crisis

After uncertainty over whether it would return following a previous cancellation linked to the Lough Neagh algal bloom crisis, organisers have confirmed the Lough Neagh Artisan Market will return this summer in an expanded format.

The popular market takes place on Sunday, June 7, from 12pm to 4pm, once again set against the scenic loughside backdrop of The Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Toome, on the banks of the Lower Bann.

This year’s vibrant event will feature more artisan traders and more live entertainment than before, bringing a family fun day atmosphere to the market, designed to encourage greater footfall and create a fulfilling and fun experience for visitors of all ages and tastes.

Organisers say the event marks a positive and much-needed celebration for the local community and businesses surrounding Lough Neagh. Una Johnston of Lough Neagh Artisans said: “We were fearful after the 11th hour cancellation of 2023 market, due to the severe algal bloom on Lough Neagh, that there would be little to no appetite among Lough Neagh Artisans to arrange markets going forward.

"Morale was at an all-time low among the traders who suffered lost revenue and destroyed produce. However I’m thrilled that the commitment and dedication has remained among our tight knit community of traders who were determined that we would and should continue.

"This summer’s market is being organised with renewed energy and positivity and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to a bigger and better Lough Neagh Artisan Market at The Lock Keeper’s Cottage on 7 June.”

Visitors will be able to browse a fantastic selection of artisan traders showcasing handcrafted goods, locally produced food, skincare, jewellery and unique finds to enhance our busy lives, while supporting small independent businesses from around Lough Neagh and across Northern Ireland.

A range of street food vendors will tempt the taste buds throughout the afternoon and The Lock Keeper’s Cottage will be open during the event, serving freshly made soups, sandwiches and salads, alongside teas and coffee. Their popular home-baked scones, cakes, traybakes and sweet treats will also be available, with marketgoers invited to fuel up while relaxing in the picturesque outdoor seating area overlooking the river. Soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying live entertainment with performances from Rock Choir and Orange Blossom. For those keen to explore the area from the water, there will also be boat trips along the River Bann.

Family focused attractions include swing boats, hook-a-duck, cage football, a bouncy castle and face painting. Animal lovers will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with friendly faced Alpacas.

Una added: “Whether visitors are browsing artisan stalls, enjoying live music, sampling local food or simply taking in the riverside atmosphere, the Lough Neagh Artisan Market promises a brilliant Sunday afternoon out for all ages.

"I would encourage the general public to come along and support local businesses while enjoying the talent, culture and creativity of one of the area’s most loved community events. All we need now is sunshine!”

Traders include:

Annie’s Delights – Handmade award winning jams, curds, marmalades, jellies, chutneys and bakes.

Gold & Browne’s – Gluten Free bakery specialising in award winning chocolate brownies, blondies, cookies and other gf traybakes.

Noreen’s Nettles – Herbal food business producing nettle tea and cleaver tea, cordial, nettle seed crackers, nettle seed supplements, nettle energy balls, nettle salve and hair and scalp tonic.

Woodlab Distillery Ltd. – Irish Dry Gin, Armagh Bramley Apple Gin, Raspberry Gin Liqueur, Irish Apple Rum.

Wild Shore – Wild Shore is an organic luxury spa brand. Handcrafted on the southern shores of Lough Neagh. The Spa Collection includes, soaking salts, an artisan soap bar, a hand and body cream, a hydration facial mist and a hand poured soy wax candle and a cotton linen embroidered vanity pouch. Mark & Max’s Luxury Houses – Handmade miniature driftwood houses / landscapes with wood collected from Murlough beach. Pieces are decorated with dried flower heads from the garden and covered with dyed cardboard fibre.

HoneyComb Cabin – Pure Beeswax candles, beeswax lip balm and beeswax body butter.

CADDO – CADDO is a Northern Ireland based luxury home fragrance brand creating handcrafted candles and diffusers inspired by nature. Each scent is inspired by the land, ritual, and memory and designed to bring calm and connection into the home. Crawfords Rock – Award winning seaweed producer selling seaweed related products.

Crafts by Vhari – Decorated shells and wine cork animals.

Sage and Soul – Sage and Soul specialises in hand crafted resin jewellery – ranging from bracelets and rings to necklaces and earrings. Everything is fully hypoallergenic and water resistant.

Fallen Embers Pyrography – Hand burned pyrography art on live edge wood, hand burned tote bags, cards and original prints of pyrography art.

Sparkles & Pearls by Emma – Handmade hairbows, scrunchies, bag charms, jewellery.

Basket Case – Baskets, dishes, lampshades, plant pot holders, traditional Ulster ‘skibs’, bird feeders, log baskets etc. Made from vibrant homegrown willow in Co Down in unusual colours - as it is heritage varieties, some local to UK and Ireland.

Conway Carvings – Bespoke solid wood carvings and carvings made out of solid corian.

Granola Girl – Wholesome and homemade flavoured granolas using Northern Irish oats. No seed/palm oils or added unnatural ingredients. Vegan flavours available.

Shoreline Studio NI – Handcrafted crystal and gemstone jewellery and accessories, crystal suncatchers, handmade guardian angel bagcharms and handmade keychains.

Granny Shaws Confections – Confections, chocolates, caramel sauces.

Island Jewellery – Handmade beaded jewellery using 18k gold findings and silver platings. Products include necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, iphone chains and a selection of kids bracelets. All products use shell, mother of pearl, coconut, miyuki beads, tila beads and natural products.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – RSPB Membership

Walled City Fudge – Handmade Irish Butter Fudge made in the shop based within the historic Derry City Walls. Stocking a range of 15-20 flavours from the signature old-fashioned caramel and vanilla to the more on trend flavours such as Matcha Coconut, Smores or Lemon Balm and Basil. Sold by bar or gift boxes of 4 bars.

John Taggart Landscapes – Fine art Landscape mounted pictures and handmade frames.

The daily apron – Sourdough, focaccia, Guinness and treacle wheaten, bagels, almond croissants, cinnamon rolls, danish, cruffins, pistachio escargot, morning buns, NY rolls, protein balls, apple lattice squares.

Field&fleece – Felted craft sculptures, based on natural forms and animals.

Cyberprint Toys – Cyberprint Toys make articulated sensory fidget toys using eco friendly plastics and prioritise children’s safety above all else. Items included dragons, dinosaurs and sea creatures as well as mini fidgets.

Dart Mountain Cheese – Seven types of cheese, three craft drizzles alongside some chutney.

ArtByKieranB – Framed and Non-framed Prints and original watercolour, silk and felt art works.

CJ Creations – Hand crafted wall hangings, home decor items, bookmarks, keyrings with real dried flowers set into resin. Resin vases with hand crafted flowers and suncatchers made with glass beads and resin items.

Pie In The Sky – Individual artisan pies, sausage rolls and pastry puffs. Sold cold to take home or hot ready to eat.

Like Magic Oils – Producer of 100% Natural Cold Pressed Blended Unrefined Oils, six types all for use on Face, Body, Hair. Products are Natural No Preservatives, Chemicals or nasties. Just: Oil. All products are fully CPSR Certified and registered for sale.

Ballyriff Buffalo – Buffallo Products

Lough Neagh Stories – A Lough Neagh based fisherman. Will be making various fish based hot food dishes at the market.

Doganic Barkery – Artisan healthy bakes for dogs ranging from pupcorn, biscuits, pupcakes, crisps to bedtime bites.