One village on the east antrim coast is having a moment

It’s a busy month in Glenarm this September. The new series of BBC thriller Nightsleeper is being filmed in the village, an arts trail highlighting the many artisans working in the area is happening on Saturday 12 September, and of course things kick off this Saturday with the monthly Glenarm Community Market.

The market has gone from strength to strength over the past few years under the auspices of local bagmaker Deb Biddleston.

“It’s something I’m really dedicated to helping grow,” she says. Adding, “I think it’s so important to recognise all the local crafts people and makers working across the region and give them a home. That way our community can access and support them.”

You need only see the crowd that gathers each month in Englinton Yard the first Saturday of the month, to see how much the market means to the village and the Glens.

The faces behind the stalls are also a big draw. Some are there every month like Donna from Soulscapes, who creates her stunning wool landscapes from wool sourced in nearby Cairncastle. Others like Emma, the Cargan baker behind Carn Bakehouse, and Willow & Greene’s Kerry from nearby Ballynure, are more recent additions who are growing in popularity. The fact that Kerry brings her award-winning marmalade each time definitely helps.

Then there’s Mariya who joined for the first time last month. She creates beautiful and intricate handmade Motanka dolls, which traditionally have been used as protective guardians to ward off bad luck.

Glenarm is becoming a hub for the arts. Last week was the second annual Arts & Literary Fayre, which featured a packed programme that included storytelling, film screenings and a jazz concert from the Linley Hamilton Quartet.

Pop down this Saturday for the Glenarm Community Market at Eglinton Yard at the harbour. Parking is free, dogs are (very) welcome and there will be a coffee cart Cool Cuppas for those needing a caffeine fix. 10.30-3.30pm. You can find out more about the Glenarm Arts Trail here. https://www.facebook.com/people/Glenarm-Arts-Trail-2026/61591130624415/