Deb Biddleston, trader Joann Clarke of Jo Jo’s Melts and Norma Beggs in the newly refurbished yard
The Glenarm Community Market takes up its new home in the recently refurbished Eglinton Yard this April.
Saturday 6th April is a big day in the village of Glenarm. The newly refurbished Eglinton Yard and Barn finally reopens its doors as the new home of the Glenarm Community Market.
Anyone visiting on the day will find it a hive of activity, as 28 local makers and traders set up their stalls and welcome the community in.
“It’s a new chapter for the market,” says resident, market organiser and bagmaker Deb Biddleston – AKA Mrs B Designs.
“It’s so exciting to have a new permanent home in the centre of the village, where both locals and anyone visiting our beautiful coastal location, can drop in and discover just what a creative community we really are.
“There will be traders from beyond Glenarm joining us each month, but you’ll also find prints, bags, pottery, woodcrafts, willowware, and much more produced by the residents of the village itself and from the neighbouring countryside. I think it makes our market unique – and really stamps Glenarm as a place for creatives to visit.”
Local artist Norma Beggs, known for her Art with Norma workshops, agrees.
“This market in Glenarm is a great melting pot for the wide range of artistic, craft and creative makers - and helps connect makers who traditionally work in isolation. It is great to see the support and new collaborations forged that go beyond market day.”
The official opening of the refurbished Eglinton Yard will take place on Saturday 4th May and will coincide with the next monthly market. The event will be for the community to celebrate the opening of this great new venue for Glenarm residents.
Local musicians, dancers, children’s entertainment and many more events will be happening throughout the day. More details will follow shortly!
Once derelict and considered for demolition, the beautiful stone building has been restored to its former glory by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council with input from the village.
At one point the Yard was even put up for sale, but eventually the funding for some of the work was raised through the Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme. The scheme is intended to facilitate partnerships between local authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic to progress feasibility and development work on new joint investment projects which deliver local and regional development goals.
The refurbishment has transformed the barn into a great community venue - perfect for a day trip - with lots of quality unique creations to choose from, tea, coffee and an enticing range of sweet and savoury bakes to enjoy.
You can visit the dog-friendly Glenarm Community Market the first Saturday of each month in Eglinton Yard. Entrance is free and parking is available in the harbour car park.