New-look Westport Christmas markets aim to bring festive cheer

New-look Westport Christmas markets aim to bring festive cheer


Neill O’Neill
neilloneill@mayonews.ie

ONE of Westport’s premier annual events is taking place again this December, when the Chamber of Commerce-led Westport Shop ‘n Spraoi na Nollag free outdoor Christmas Market returns for its third installment.
In a new location this year in the James Street Car Park, and also utilising the facilities at St Anne’s Boxing Club, up to 20,000 people are expected to attend the unique festive event, which will be held closer to Christmas this year - on December 14, 15 and 16.
Plans are at an advanced stage, in conjunction with Westport Town Council, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Foras na Gaeilge, The County Development Board and other sponsors, and spaces at the traders stalls in the fully enclosed marquees and boxing club are filling fast.
The new location has come about following feedback from retailers in the town after last year’s event, and there will be no Spraoi ‘na Nollag stalls outside of the upper level of the James Street Car Park. Given the changes it is hoped that all retailers and business people can get behind the event, which can benefit all businesses by attracting extra people into the town to shop and socialise. Access to the event will be easily had through the adjacent walkways to the car park from Bridge Street at The Jester Pub, from James Street beside the Vodafone shop and via the alleyway at Blouser’s Pub on upper James Street. There will be a unique array of products, services and culinary delights on offer to visitors, with artisan food and craft producers from right across the region planning to converge on this winter wonderland Christmas market.
A full three day jam-packed music and entertainment schedule will also come live from the James Street Car Park main stage, with local choirs, bands, musicians and poets performing as people browse, for that special gift for a loved one, or to satisfy their own temptations.
Of course, Santa will be arriving on Saturday afternoon at 3pm, and as always will sail down the Carrowbeg River with his little helpers. Afterwards, he will be greeting all the children in his grotto, and handing out special gifts from the North Pole.
In the courtyard, Santa’s workshop doors will be opened for the young and the young at heart to get a glimpse of the hard work carried out by the elves this year, while good old Daidí na Nollag, as he is also known, will be back on Sunday to greet any of the children that missed him on Saturday.
If you want to get involved in this unique annual event - be it with a food or craft stall, a service or just to entertain on stage, please contact Westport Chamber of Commerce on 098 27375.

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