Bumper present for Belfast, as opening Christmas Market in more locations across city on council's wish list
It may only be Easter, but Belfast may already be lining up a massive Christmas present this year.
That’s because the city’s annual continental market in the grounds of city hall could become much bigger, opening in more locations under moves largely being discussed behind closed doors by Belfast Council.
During a meeting this week, however, one councillor publicly revealed that “work is under way to look at the expansion of the Christmas market, to look at a number of sites within the city” – and suggested a festive trail between continental markets in city hall and Custom House Square could work, which would encourage people to visit shops, cafes and bars in between the two.
It still seems to be relatively early days for the idea, with nothing set in stone yet.
But, said the SDLP’s Seamas de Faoite, officials are hoping to “deliver on an ask from residents and people who come to enjoy Belfast city centre at Christmas time”.
He hoped that reaching the market out to more areas than “just the front lawn of city hall” would boost Belfast’s smaller retailers as well as bars and restaurants.
“We know that things are difficult right now for a lot of our businesses, our retailers and hospitality sector,” he said. “We know there are many challenges ahead.
“But we also know that Christmas in particular is a great moment of support for those businesses; people come into the city centre, they enjoy themselves, they spend time in our hospitality sector and our small and medium retailers. It’s a real opportunity.”
The idea could be a reality this Christmas, he added.