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The organiser of Newry's debut Christmas Market has reflected on what she describes as one of the most meaningful projects she's ever worked on, with 65,000 visitors supporting the event at the historic Newry Market over five wonderful weekends in the lead up to Christmas.
Noelle Blair from Room Angelz is already thinking about the 2026 event and hopes to have applications open for the market later this month.
For the first time ever Newry was able to compete with Christmas Markets around the country. Great stalls with a wide range of crafts and present options, no shortage of food offerings, mulled wine and a full bar added to the festive atmosphere while top notch live music acts such as The Uplifted Gospel Choir, Shane McGirr and regular events were what separated it from the rest. One person who chatted to Newry.ie said it was much better than the Belfast market.
One thing that was obvious from the get-go was the buzz it contributed to the city. Opening on the same night as the Christmas Light switch-on in Marcus Square was inspirational with a constant flow of people through Hill Street in both directions. The only thing that could possibly have improved the atmosphere would have been if more shops and eateries along the way had stayed open late with perhaps some Christmas themed offerings of their own. The dark dull evening ambience of Hill Street contrasted strongly with the bright festive buzz from the thousands of people walking by and felt like an opportunity missed.
Perhaps to endorse the appetite there is in Newry for events such as this, the Newry.ie coverage of the event reached a total of 650,000 people on Facebook alone with one video of the event getting 144,000 views and that's not including the website and other social media channels.
Noelle said that what had started as an idea grew into something far bigger than she ever imagined and was extremely grateful to all who helped make it the roaring success it was.
She paid tribute to her core team, including Maxine, Maurica Mackle from Mackle Communications and Karen from Beyond the Branding. She also thanked friends and family who were roped in whether they liked it or not, along with her husband Liam, who has been listening to her plan Christmas since February.
A huge thank you also went to Conor Moran from DSD Visual Audio and iUR FM.
Noelle also thanked main sponsors R KINGS Competitions, Canal Court Hotel & Spa and Newry Credit Union, whose support played a key role in making the event possible. Special thanks also went to Haldane Fisher Northern Ireland, whose help with supplies for the grotto build was invaluable, and Boyds Stores Newry, whose support and promotion helped reach and engage the wider community.
Eamonn Connolly and Newry BID received particular recognition for supporting the project from the very start, from radio support via IÚR-fm, billboard promotion, car park advertising and ongoing guidance.
DG Security was thanked for their professionalism and endless support from the very first meeting through to the gates closing on the final night. The Santa's Grotto team was praised for delivering magic and memories for every family who walked through the door, while Kathy from The Choir Studio was thanked for going out of her way to support both the organiser and the event, with her choir filling the market with joy on two occasions.
The event also supported many local charities throughout, helping raise awareness and funds for important causes including Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner, Newry Hospice, Evora Hospice, Down Right Brilliant, The Bolster Community, The Samaritans and PIPS.
Thanks also went to all contractors who helped transform the market space week after week, especially to Bap and his team who transformed the market space and built the grotto, and Barry and Matthew from Surewire electrical services ltd who kept everything running smoothly. A special mention went to Declan McConaghy Show, who gave the most incredible finale on the final night, with his brilliant compère skills during the prize giveaway having the crowd completely mesmerised.
The organiser thanked all vendors and traders for the quality, creativity and festive magic they brought to the market, along with local media for fantastic coverage and ongoing support throughout the five weeks. Raymond and Declan, the market caretakers, were described as having genuinely become part of the furniture in the best possible way over the five weeks, from opening gates at the crack of dawn to locking up long after the last sparkle had faded.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was also thanked for facilitating the use of the market space and ensuring staff were on site to assist throughout the event.
