Future of local artisan markets confirmed

Future of local artisan markets confirmed

13 June 2018

ARTISAN markets in Downpatrick and Newcastle are to become permanent fixtures on the district’s retail calendar.

A recent pilot project in both towns spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to test demand for the monthly markets has been heralded a major success.

Over 1,000 people attended each of the markets on their opening day, with local politicians this week agreeing they will now take place every month, except January and February.

Based at the Down County Museum’s courtyard, the Downpatrick market is delivered by the town’s Community Collective, while the Unit T organisation is responsible for the Newcastle market.

Members of the local authority’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee were told this week that 17 food and craft producers attended the first artisan market in Downpatrick which attracted over 1,154 visitors. Nineteen food and craft producers took part in the first market in Newcastle which attracted over 1,100 visitors.

A budget of £5,000 has been made available for each of the two markets which provide an opportunity for high quality local artisan producers of food, non-alcoholic drinks, arts and crafts to promote and sell their products.

Local council officials have confirmed the feedback from the respective opening days was overwhelmingly positive, with stallholders in Downpatrick and Newcastle asked to complete a survey with the results described as “very encouraging.”  They have also confirmed traders have signed up to attend future markets.

Staff at the Down County Museum were also delighted with the success of the artisan market and the huge number of people who attended the event in Downpatrick, while politicians are delighted the monthly markets have been a success and are attracting additional shoppers to both towns.

A formal agreement to deliver future markets in both towns will now be signed between the local council and the organisers of both who will be responsible for taking them forward.

It was also agreed this week that there will be themed markets at various times of the year, particularly over the Halloween and Christmas periods.

Politicians say they recognise the boost the markets can provide by attracting additional shoppers to both towns and hope existing businesses in Downpatrick and Newcastle will benefit from the increased footfall.

The idea for the markets was suggested last year by Rowallane councillor Patrick Brown with the aim of attracting as many local food producers as possible.

He also highlighted the importance of growing the markets in partnership with the local community and is confident they will go from strength to strength.

Cllr Brown said any economic analysis of farmers’ markets he was aware of indicated they increase footfall and bring more people into local shops, improving the overall positive impact on the socio-economic fabric of towns.

The success of the monthly farmers’s market in Comber promoted interest in running the recent pilot in Downpatrick and Newcastle with council officials, politicians, food and craft producers and shoppers delighted with their success to date.