FOLLOWING on from the great success of last year’s inaugural event, the Strabane Christmas Fayre will return to Strabane town centre this weekend on Sunday, December 3 from 1 pm-6 pm.The fayre promises to be ‘bigger and better’ in its second year – featuring local food and craft market stalls, as well as festive entertainment by local arts groups, brass bands and school choirs.
The festive extravaganza is a joint initiative between Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, Strabane Business Improvement District (BID) and Derry City and Strabane District Council, and has been switched from a week night to a Sunday this year – which should attract even bigger crowds than usual to enjoy the festive food, craft stalls and live entertainment.
A bus will also be running from the Strabane Retail Park to the town centre throughout the day, approximately every half hour.
This will be a vintage bus themed on the Polar Express, and people will be ferried between the two locations free of charge and entertained on board with singing and storytelling.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Maolíosa McHugh says the Strabane Christmas Fayre is also an excellent way of showcasing local produce and encouraging people to shop local.
He said: “The Strabane Christmas Fayre promises to be a great family event and the perfect way to start the festive season.
“Not only will you be able to get lots of unique Christmas gifts, but you can sample local produce and enjoy some lovely Christmas carols.
“Indeed, the fun will start at 1pm with around 30 handcraft and food stalls filling Castle Street and Castle Place selling festive food, gifts and crafts, including toys, sweets and jewellery.
“The entertainment will continue throughout the day with live musical performances by local schools, fabulous local acts as well as the Three Rivers Brass Band.
“There will also be fun and frolics from walkabout characters and storytellers during what is guaranteed to be a great festive celebration for the entire family.
“Importantly, children will also get to experience the whole day this year as it’s not on a school night.”
The Mayor has also extended his thanks to the organisers of the event and to all those taking part, saying he hopes it will be a great success for everyone involved.
He added: “I have no doubts that the Christmas Fayre – which is such a welcome addition to Strabane’s festive calendar – will be bigger and better this year – and build upon the spectacular success of last year’s event.”
A ‘Dog Christmas Jumper’ competition and the first ever ‘Pooches Parade’ will also be part of the Strabane Christmas Fayre this year at 2pm in Butcher Street carpark.
Register your canine pal online at www.facebook.com/StrabaneChristmasFayre
For more information on events in Strabane over the festive season – including the Mayor’s ‘Lost in Frost’ Christmas initiative at the Alley Theatre – visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas
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