Marketplace

Education

During our Christmas Markets and Specialist events, we offer free educational tours for school children and community groups. These guided tours provide an enjoyable educational experience for children, learning about the languages, foods, and cultures represented by our traders. We create Education Passport’s filled with fun facts, and market information that is aligned with the current curriculum, to further enhance the experience.

Buddy Scheme

The Buddy Scheme Initiative was designed to make a visit to our markets accessible for all. To make for a more inclusive experience, we offer groups and individuals, guided tours of our markets during quieter trading times.

Supporting Small and Local Businesses

The Jolly Big Business Boost is our business growth competition, that supports young, local businesses with their early stages of growth. The competition offers the opportunity to trade for free at one of our award-winning Christmas Markets, giving the winner the chance to expose their products to thousands of visitors.

We encourage small businesses to test their business ideas in a safe and vibrant public-facing environment by providing subsidised trial trading spaces at our local markets, along with business support, mentoring, and marketing guidance. This approach reduces risks and costs for new businesses, with many of the traders we assist becoming permanent fixtures in their local market.

Charitable

Each year we strive to use our platform to raise awareness for local charities, and support those in need. At the Belfast Christmas Market, we donate Santa’s magical grotto to one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities, allowing them to raise essential funds for their cause. Similarly, at our other Christmas Markets, we provide stalls to local charities, giving them the opportunity to sell promotional items and merchandise, while educating visitors about their mission.

Environmental

Across all of our markets, we are committed to adopting sustainable environmental business practices. Each year, we make significant financial investments to enhance recycling and waste reduction efforts. By working closely with our partners, including local councils and waste management companies, we enforce recycling and waste management regulations. These efforts include providing food waste separation facilities to help traders reduce and recycle food waste, ensuring a more sustainable approach at every market.