A new bi-monthly artisan market is hoping to bring a real community feel to Dungannon.
Artisans at The Space held its first event earlier this month to a great response from locals, who attended the space off Market Square in the Co Tyrone town.
Among the arts, crafts and bakes available from the traders at the market is renowned local chef James Devine, while live music draws shoppers in from the town on a busy Saturday.
READ MORE: Inside old Stewartstown Ulster Bank building transformed into coffee shop
The second market takes place this Saturday September 24, with organisers Cathy Dempster and Aoife Duffy saying they were delighted with how the first event went.
“It was unreal, better than we ever expected. It’s a small, intimate market and there’s around 13 traders,” Cathay said.
“It was Dungannon Enterprise Centre who were looking to set it up and myself and Aoife took on the task of organising it.
“We’re trying to do it twice a month and it’s all local crafters, makers and bakers.
“We are lucky to have local chef James Devine doing our food, he did waffles the first week for us and there will be a few new things on the menu this Saturday.
“It took us around 10 days to get it all together and we were so happy with how it was received by everyone.
“The live music and the sun made it a great day and we’re hoping the weather will hold on for us this weekend as well.
Looking ahead to this Saturday’s market, Cathy added they want to bring a real atmosphere and community feeling back to the town again.
“Going by the first week it added a great atmosphere to the town. People heard the music and were coming up the street to see what was going on up the town.
“And then when they came they didn’t want to leave - it was like a real community feeling about it.
“You were seeing people that you normally wouldn’t see, most people now will go into the town, get what they need and go home.
“But a lot of people stopped in and had their lunch and a coffee and spent the afternoon there, and we’re hoping to continue that on in the weeks ahead.”
READ NEXT:
Strabane oil thefts prompt community watch set-up in a bid to protect elderly
Friend of Co Tyrone paralympic swimmer's marathon effort to help him regain his independence
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
