With less than two weeks to go, Moate Christmas Market is well on track to build on the massive success of last year with 60 stalls already confirmed.
The festive market, which is being organised by Moate Partnership Group, will take place in Main Street, Moate on Sunday, December 13 from 3pm to 7pm. The stalls already confirmed for the market will sell a wide range of local produce, fine foods, arts, crafts, jewellery and many Christmas gift ideas. RTE’s Midlands correspondent, Ciaran Mullooly, will also make an appearance at the market where he will be selling his new book, Back to the Future.
There will be lots of on-street entertainment including live music, a busking competition, a magician, merry-go-round, a visit from Santa and much more. Athlone A Cappella Group, Project 37, Streetwise, The Little Big Band, and The Celtic Blondes are among the local musicians and entertainers who have confirmed their place at this year’s market. Local magician, Oisin Foley, will also make a welcome return.
New to this year’s market is the busking competition. Musicians and singers are invited to take part in the festivities with a cash prize for first and second place. Buskers will be located all along the market village.
There will be lots of entertainment for children throughout the evening with a merry-go-round, The Big Red Bus, Tin Can Alley, face painting and the man of the moment, Santa Clause, visiting the market grotto. There he will meet and greet children and give out small gifts. There will be plenty of parking on the day with stewards on standby to help market goers.
As an incentive for stall holders to get into the festive spirit, the best decorated stall will win back their entry fee. Local Cllr Michael O’Brien said this week: “We’ve been working very hard to ensure that this year’s market is even bigger and better than last year. This year there will be plenty of lighting at each stall and it will be family-friendly event with plenty of space for people to shop and chat. I would encourage everyone to come along and make it another wonderful festive market experience this year.”
There are just a few more days left to apply for a stall. If you are interested in applying log onto Moate Christmas Market Facebook page or email [email protected].
