Strong crowds have gathered in Coleraine Town Centre today (Saturday 11 July) as the Causeway Speciality Market celebrates 20 years of showcasing the very best in local food, craft and independent enterprise.
Hosted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the anniversary event has brought together more than 50 artisan traders from across Northern Ireland for a day of live demonstrations, tastings and hands-on experiences, reflecting the rich creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that have defined the market over the past two decades.
The celebrations got underway this morning with a special opening ceremony led by the Town Crier, followed by a welcome from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, who officially opened the milestone event.
Throughout the morning, visitors have enjoyed traditional baking demonstrations from Tony Rogers of Tony's Griddle Goods, local produce showcases with Kennedy Bacon, live woodturning by Gerard Gray of Taisie Turning and an inspiring Journey to Market showcase featuring entrepreneurs whose businesses have flourished through the Council's business support programme.
The programme continues throughout the afternoon, with Great British Menu chef Stevie McCarry drawing crowds for a series of live cookery demonstrations celebrating the quality and diversity of locally sourced produce. Visitors can also experience live painting with Brege Stanley, hear the stories behind Conor Edgell's acclaimed photography, discover handcrafted drinks from Papa's Mineral Company, enjoy barbecue inspiration from Tully Farm and pick up entertaining tips during Tom & Ollie's artisan grazing board demonstration.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said:
"The greatest success of the Causeway Speciality Market has never simply been the number of stalls - it's the community that has grown around them. Seeing so many people filling the town centre today, meeting traders, hearing their stories and enjoying everything the market has to offer has been incredibly rewarding.
"For twenty years, this market has helped independent businesses find their feet while giving people a reason to spend time in the heart of Coleraine. Today's turnout is a wonderful reflection of the affection people have for the market and the important role it continues to play in bringing our town centre to life."
Since its launch in 2006, the Council-run Causeway Speciality Market has evolved into one of Northern Ireland's most established artisan markets, providing a launchpad for hundreds of independent businesses while becoming a popular fixture in the region's events calendar.
The anniversary celebrations continue until 4.00pm today, with visitors still able to explore more than 50 artisan stalls, enjoy live demonstrations and meet the producers, makers and creatives behind the businesses that have helped shape the market's success over the last 20 years.
The Causeway Speciality Market returns to Coleraine Town Centre on Saturday 25 July, with markets continuing twice monthly on the second and fourth Saturday of each month until December from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Visitors can keep up to date with future market dates, trader announcements and event information by following the Causeway Speciality Market on Facebook.
