New Strabane food and craft market debuts Friday

by Gráinne Connolly

 This Friday will see the launch of the new Strabane food and craft market in the town. 

It will feature a range of stalls that will showcase a range of quality artisan products from the local area. 

Speaking about the debut, Mayor of the Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock has encouraged shoppers in the Strabane and surrounding areas to show their support on the market's first day of trading. 

"This is an extremely welcome move by Council in establishing a monthly market for Strabane, providing a fantastic opportunity for local traders, food producers and craft worker to get involved in showcasing their produce to the local community."

(Photo Caption: Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock pictured at the launch of the new Strabane market that is to take place every Friday at the Courtyard, Alley Theatre, starting from April 28. Also included is Nicolle Walters, Market Development Officer with the Council, Eileen Sharkey from Sand Art  and Catherine McCauley from Sweet Piranha Bites.)

The market will benefit the local traders at the market and the general community. 

It will bring shoppers to the area from outside the town, which will benefit all local businesses. 

There will be a variety of goods and crafts on sale at the market. 

There will be hand knitted children's clothing made by the Granny Knitter, the award winning producers Kennedy Bacon, Sperrin Speciality Coffee, Sand Art, local crafter Carol White with handmade cards and books, antiques specialist Felim O'Neill, the One World Shop and Sweet Piranha Bites. 

 Local Produce

The market will be set up in the Courtyard of the Alley Theatre from 11am to 4pm and will operate on the last Friday of each month. 

Derry City and Strabane District Council is still taking applications from traders who are interested in taking part. 

Trading opportunities will be subject to a selection process which take into account the types of goods, their speciality nature and previous experience. 

Applications and selection criteria can be obtained from http://www.derrystrabane.com/publicnotice

or by emailing: nicolle.walters@derrystrabane.com or by contacting Council's Business section on: 02871 253 253 ext: 6664