Christmas Market Cancellation in County Antrim Disappoints Businesses

Certain vendors have expressed their disappointment regarding the cancellation of a Christmas market in County Antrim. This decision followed objections to the event taking place on a Sunday. It is understood that several councillors voiced reservations about the market’s scheduled plans for Ballyclare this weekend. A single representative noted that the designated area served as parking for attendees of a local church. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council stated its request for the event to be rescheduled to an alternative day, aiming to boost customer traffic for other local businesses. This decision drew criticism from some stall holders, who contended it was made with insufficient prior notice. Alan Burns, proprietor of a catering business, estimated a loss of several hundred pounds in potential income because the event will not proceed as originally planned. He mentioned having secured his spot at the market since the end of September, only to be informed of its cancellation 10 days before its scheduled commencement. He stated: “It has a major impact, especially this time of year. We rely on markets two, three, four times a week to tie us through the quiet months of January, February and March.” He added: “To lose one of them is a big hit to the business.” Mr Burns expressed his view that a market operating in a town typically quiet on a Sunday was beneficial. He commented: “It’s bringing extra people into the town, good footfall, it’s helping any businesses who are open as well as the market traders.” Jake Bassett, who manufactures toys using 3D printers and intended to sell them at the market, indicated that the period leading up to Christmas constitutes his peak season. Mr Bassett remarked: “I was appalled by the short notice given. It is going to have quite a big impact on my business.” He further questioned: “What has a day of the week got to do with cancelling a market?” Amanda Brashaw, owner of a jewellery making business, was scheduled to participate as a vendor at the event. She conveyed that she was “pretty gutted and angry” about the cancellation. She explained: “I had two markets that weekend so that’s half my trading for the week.” It is understood that certain councillors privately communicated their concerns regarding the market to council officers. Ulster Unionist Party councillor Vera McWilliam informed BBC News NI: “The space that is normally used for the markets has been used by the church on Sundays for a number of years.” McWilliam’s statement referenced members of a local church’s congregation who utilize the town hall for parking on Sundays. She asserted that the organizer had not completed their “homework” concerning the chosen location. BBC News NI reached out to Democratic Unionist Party councillors in Ballyclare, who chose not to provide a comment. Independent councillor Michael Stewart and Alliance Party councillor Lewis Boyle verified that they did not lodge a complaint with the council regarding the market. Boyle stated he was only informed of the event’s cancellation retrospectively. He commented: “Before this cancellation took place, there should have been a consultation with all elected members in the DEA, the traders and additionally other traders in the town who have a stakehold in making sure this market is successful.” He also raised questions about why the council initially organized and subsequently promoted the market. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council had previously advertised the event prior to the announcement of its cancellation. A council spokesperson explained: “Town centre markets are contracted for the benefit of town centre businesses by increasing footfall.“Given that the majority of Ballyclare shops are closed on a Sunday, the council asked Urban Markets, who are contracted to run town centre markets on the council’s behalf, to move the event to another date so that the local business community can benefit from it.” Approximately 25 local businesses were anticipated to participate in the event, with many reportedly originating from the borough. BBC News NI has reached out to Urban Markets for their statement. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.