Sixty stalls have been confirmed for the inaugural Moate Christmas Market, which takes place on Main Street, Moate this Sunday December 14. Westmeath County Council confirmed this week that they have allocated €2,000 towards the cost of running the market.
Organised by Moate Partnership Group, the market will run from 4-8pm, with 60 stalls selling a range of local produce, fine foods, arts, crafts and many Christmas gift ideas.
A marquee will house some of the local art and crafts stalls and will be the central hub of the market while the majority of stalls will run along the wide footpath from Galvin’s Gifts to The Grand Hotel, facing in towards the shops. To help stall holders get into the festive spirit, the best decorated stall will win back their entry fee.
The All Island School Choir champions, Moate Community School, will be among the many local artists to perform throughout the evening. Other acts that will perform on the day will include Project 37, The Voxall Vivas, Johnny Bastic, Camillus Hiney, The Little Big Band, Michael Doyle, Maggie Dunne, and a Christmas dance performance from The Celtic Blondes.
There will be lots of entertainment for children with a merry-go-round, face painting, and the man of the moment, Santa Claus will visit the Christmas Market Grotto where he will meet and greet children and give out small gifts. There will be no charge to see Santa.
There will be plenty of parking available, with stewards to help market-goers.
Cllr Michael O’Brien said there is a great buzz around the town and surrounding areas in anticipation of the Christmas market.
“I would encourage everyone to come along and make it a wonderful festive market experience. I’d like to commend all the volunteers for giving their time to put up the lights and the Partnership Group and sub committees for all their work.”
Cllr John Dolan particularly welcomed the council’s funding of €2,000 towards the cost of running the Christmas market.
“I hope this money helps to make this event an even better success, and hopefully this will be an annual event,” he said.
