Details of the eagerly anticipated opening of Belfast’s Christmas Market in the grounds of City Hall, have been announced.
Trading at the popular festive event will begin on November 16, and close on December 22.
The opening hours will be 10am to 8pm, Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday, and 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday.
Belfast Christmas Market is operated by Market Place, which is running a competition offering one lucky business the opportunity to trade for free during the event.
According to a Market Place spokesperson, they are “on the lookout for innovative entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland who are ready to elevate their business to the next level”.
The competition focuses on giving talented individuals a platform to sell their products to an expected one million visitors at this year’s Christmas Market.
Winners will also receive marketing and PR guidance to support with brand exposure.
Andy Pidgen, Market Manager and Jolly Big Business Boost judge said: “The Jolly Big Business Boost is a fantastic initiative that truly supports and nurtures entrepreneurial talent.
“By offering young businesses a chance to trade for free at the Belfast Christmas Market, we provide them with invaluable exposure and a platform to showcase their products to a vast audience.
“Over the past decade, we have seen many winners flourish and grow, and we are thrilled to continue this tradition of fostering innovation and business growth in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Pidgen.
Also on the judging panel is CEO of Belfast One BID, Martina Connolly and Bathe Botanicals owner, Christine McCaughey, who is the previous winner of the competition.
Christine McCaughey added: “Winning the Jolly Big Business Boost was a game-changer for my business. Trading at the Belfast Christmas Market allowed me to reach an incredible number of customers and significantly increase my brand’s visibility.
Since winning the competition, we were able to attend two national trade shows, stock our products with around 20 new retailers, and take on 3 members of staff.
“We are also in the midst of developing a new line of products. It literally has been a turning point for our business. I highly recommend this competition to any young entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level,” said Ms McCaughey.
If you think you have a good product that visitors to the Belfast Christmas Market will enjoy, the team want to hear from you.
Interested businesses should submit a short written application, supported by a 2-minute video telling the judges about themselves and their products.
Full details of the competition can be found here.
