Belfast Christmas Market Director Addresses Traffic Concerns as Event Commences

The director of Belfast Christmas Market expresses hope that the suspension of roadworks in the run-up to Christmas will alleviate worries following recent traffic congestion in the city. Certain merchants have indicated that the gridlock in the centre of Belfast, attributed to roadworks and the inauguration of a new multi-million pound transport hub, is leading to reduced visitor numbers and impacting local enterprises. The Bavarian-style market commenced operations for the public at noon on Saturday, hours before the city’s Christmas light switch-on event. Now in its 20th year, the market expects approximately one million visitors over its five-week duration. Allan Hartwell, managing director of Market Place, which operates the Christmas event, stated he became aware of the traffic problems just prior to his arrival in the city for the market’s set up. “I was really concerned, but we arrived on the Saturday and on the Sunday I took a walk around the city and it was booming, it was heaving.” “Because of all these roadworks going on, I was really surprised that the weekends have been absolutely buoyant.” He said the suspension of non-essential roadworks on Belfast routes, scheduled for 25 November, is expected to mitigate worries. Mary Taylor, who has operated her clothing stall in Belfast’s market for seven years, has navigated challenges presented by the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. “I love this city, the people are lovely here, very friendly, and we always have a successful market regardless of the weather or what’s going on,” she said. Ms Taylor believes the recent gridlock will not significantly impact business. “If the people want to come to the market, they’ll come, however they get here by bus, train or car, they’ll come so no it doesn’t worry me,” she added. Belfast’s Christmas Market initially operated as a trial initiative in 2004 with 34 traders, with the vast majority of those from France, Germany and the Netherlands. “When we started, we were concerned about the lack of professional market traders within Northern Ireland,” Mr Hartwell said. “There wasn’t a huge amount of markets operating with full-time traders, and not traders that can sustain a five-week market.” A revised agreement was reached, and a collaboration with nearby St George’s Market was formed, aiming to guarantee the inclusion of local enterprises. Currently, approximately 50% of the 100 active stalls are run by local vendors, Mr Hartwell added. This year, a prime-located chalet has been designated for six young business owners to operate in the market for free. Another initiative by Market Place, called the Jolly Big Business Boost, enables a single local enterprise to trade at the market without cost. The winner, Emma Goodman from Lurgan in County Armagh, expressed surprise upon learning of her success. Ms Goodman, who owns a dog accessory business, discovered the contest during her recovery from surgery earlier this year. “I was thinking I’ll probably not win it, I’ll just enter for experience and I nearly died when I got the phone call,” she said. She anticipates this chance will enable her to expand her enterprise and establish a community connection. Additional markets are present across Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas, including Flowerfield Art Centre’s Christmas Craft Market in Portstewart. Operating six days weekly, it showcases several local vendors. It is managed by Causeway Coast and Glens Council, thereby enabling businesses to reduce personnel expenditures. Geri Martin, who operates an artisan chocolate shop in Castlerock, stated that the experience holds immense value during the peak season for her business. “I can’t afford to send someone to stand at a Christmas market,” she explained. “It’s such a difficult time of the year for us because we’re so busy with all of our corporate work and Christmas gifts so the way it has been set up is fantastic and every year we see our sales grow.” “Businesses have to really commit their time… and that’s a huge risk because you don’t know how well the market is going to go.” Fiona Shannon, from Portstewart, has offered her ceramic products at Flowerfield for several years. “It’s a fantastic market to be a part of,” she said. “A lot of local people have started to come and support it and it’s worked out really well for me as a business.” Ms Shannon indicated that approximately 35 local enterprises comprise the Flowerfield market. “There’s such a range of stuff now that people can essentially do all of their shopping under one roof,” she added. Belfast’s Christmas Market commenced operations at noon on Saturday 16 November and is scheduled to continue daily until 18:00 GMT on Sunday 22 December. The market is open from 10:00, closing at 20:00 (with bars open until 21:00) Monday through Wednesday, and at 22:00 (with bars open until 23:00) Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, entry begins at noon, concluding at the earlier time of 18:00. Donegall Square North and Donegall Square West are scheduled for closure on Sunday from 02:00 to 05:00.