What's On?
Join us on Saturday 11 July as we celebrate 20 years of the Causeway Speciality Market with a special day of artisan food, local makers, live entertainment and family-friendly experiences in the heart of Coleraine.
For two decades, the Causeway Speciality Market has been bringing together talented producers, makers and independent businesses from across Northern Ireland, growing into one of the country's largest outdoor artisan markets. To mark this milestone, we're inviting everyone to enjoy a packed programme of live cookery demonstrations, interactive craft showcases, local food tastings and much more.
Browse over 50 artisan traders, meet the people behind your favourite local businesses, discover unique handmade products and enjoy a fantastic day celebrating everything that makes the Causeway Speciality Market so special.
Date: Saturday 11 July 2026
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Coleraine Town Centre
Event Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 9.15am – 9.40am | Official Opening Ceremony Join us as the Town Crier officially opens the Causeway Speciality Market's 20th Anniversary Celebration, followed by a welcome from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins. The celebrations continue with the ceremonial cutting of the market's 20th anniversary cake alongside local trader Big Ted's American Cookies, who will also share the story behind his business and the inspiration behind his traditional American baking. |
| 10.00am – 10.25am | A Taste of Tradition – Tony's Griddle Goods Discover the art of making traditional soda farls with Tony Rogers from Tony's Griddle Goods. Learn about the heritage of this Northern Ireland favourite, the simple ingredients behind it and the techniques used to create the perfect soda farl, before enjoying freshly prepared samples. |
| 10.25am – 10.45am | From Farm to Fry While Tony prepares his soda farls, Mervyn Kennedy from Kennedy Bacon will share the story behind his family farm, explain what makes quality local bacon so distinctive and offer tips on cooking the perfect bacon. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample Tony's soda farls served with Kennedy Bacon and Annie's Delights' award-winning Irish Whiskey Marmalade, winner of Gold at the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards 2026. |
| 11.00am – 11.25am | Craft in Action – Taisie Turning Watch Gerard Gray from Taisie Turning demonstrate the precision and skill behind woodturning and carving using specialist tools, while showcasing a selection of his beautifully handcrafted pieces. |
| 11.25am – 11.50am | Journey to Market Showcase Meet some of the talented entrepreneurs supported through the Council's Journey to Market programme. Hear the stories behind businesses including Ballykenver Farmshop & Kitchen, Olive & Aster, Sushi by Shi Zen Garden, Ellie Bakes, Bloom & Flour, AJD Designs, McCluskey Pottery, Kimmie-Koo and Jo McNaughton, as they share how they turned their ideas into successful businesses and what it means to be part of the Causeway Speciality Market. |
| 12.00pm – 2.00pm | Live Cookery Demonstrations with Great British Menu's Stevie McCarry Join LIR chef Stevie McCarry for an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations, celebrating quality local produce and simple dishes that can be recreated at home. |
| 2.15pm – 2.35pm | Inspired by Place – Brege Stanley Watch local artist Brege Stanley create a live seascape painting while sharing the inspiration behind her work and the creative process that brings each piece to life. |
| 2.35pm – 2.55pm | Through the Lens – Conor Edgell Photography Meet Conor Edgell from Conor Edgell Photography, whose stunning images capture the beauty of the Causeway Coast. Hear the stories behind some of his favourite photographs and discover what inspires his work. |
| 3.15pm – 3.25pm | Summer Drinks – Papa's Mineral Company Join Wayne Adair from Papa's Mineral Company as he showcases his handcrafted range of traditional soft drinks, sharing serving suggestions and simple ideas for refreshing summer drinks. |
| 3.25pm – 3.40pm | BBQ Inspiration – Tully Farm Discover quality local meat with Wilbert Forsythe from Tully Farm, who will share expert advice on choosing the best cuts for summer barbecues, cooking techniques and the benefits of farm-to-fork produce. |
| 3.40pm – 3.55pm | Create the Perfect Grazing Board – Tom & Ollie Round off the day with Tom & Ollie, who will demonstrate how to create the perfect grazing board using artisan cheeses, charcuterie and locally sourced produce - ideal inspiration for summer entertaining. |
Throughout the Day
Alongside the live programme, visitors can enjoy:
- More than 50 artisan food, drink and craft traders from across Northern Ireland.
- Fresh artisan food, handmade bakes, speciality drinks and award-winning local produce.
- Handmade gifts, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, artwork, textiles and unique creations from talented local makers.
- The opportunity to meet the producers, makers, growers and artists behind the products, hear their stories and discover the passion behind their businesses.
- Live demonstrations, tastings and interactive experiences celebrating local food, craft and creativity.
- A vibrant atmosphere in Coleraine Town Centre as we celebrate 20 years of the Causeway Speciality Market.
- Free admission for all visitors.