NATIONAL MARKET WEEK

The Belfast Continental Market Comes to Belfast City Hall and the Maritime Festival this May.
The brighter mornings and longer nights are sure indicators of the end of a long, hard winter. Along with the smell of freshly cut grass, May sees the return of the ever-popular Belfast Continental Market. This year, as part of National Market Week and in support of the Love Your Local Market initiative, Market Place (the company that brings the Continental Market to Belfast), have linked up with St George’s and a number of local traders to create a weekend of market magnificence.
Visitors will have opportunities to shop and browse over quality products and culinary fayre in the traditional venue of City Hall Gardens, the historic setting of St George’s Market and at the Maritime Festival, Queen’s Quay – injecting fresh gastronomic splendour into the retail experience across the city.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, commented:

“The Continental Market is a great attraction for visitors and residents alike: I would like to congratulate Market Place on the great effort they have put into working with our long-established traders at St George’s Market to ensure that the profile of our local entrepreneurs is raised and that a large proportion of the benefits accruing from this year’s event will help local businesses to prosper and grow.”

The Belfast Continental Market is fast becoming a symbol of the beginning Spring, not only with Northern Irish shoppers but also for tourists and visitors to the island. The Market has been a fresh fixture in the grounds of the Belfast City Hall for the past seven years bringing a unique cosmopolitan charm to the outdoor market experience.
This year visitors can follow our tasty treasure trail around the three markets to fully experience all our global and local traders have to offer.
With traders from 26 countries as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Tanzania, Spain and China joining some of the very best local traders, the Belfast Continental Market is more than just a pretty façade. From Crepes to Macaroons there is something to make everyone’s mouth water. In City Hall Gardens, St George’s and at the Maritime Market Queen’s Quay, local traders will offer the finest local produce alongside the amazing mix of international stalls, with a free bus shuttle service between the three venues.
Allan Hartwell, Chief Executive of Market Place, welcomed the return of the Belfast Continental Market and the boost it will bring to Belfast’s tourism and retail offering.
He said: ‘There is no doubt it’s been long and difficult Winter. The Belfast Continental Market is an excellent initiative, which brings something different and diverse to the city. This year we are very excited about the addition of the Maritime Market, double the fun and double the tasty treats. We are also privileged to have more local traders onboard and we look forward to setting sail with a wonderful weekend of food, crafts and fun for all.’ The Belfast Continental Market opens at Belfast City Hall on Friday 24th May
Opening hours:

Friday 24th and Saturday 25th10am – 10pm
Sunday 26th 1pm – 6pm, Monday 10am – 8pm
The Maritime Market opens at Queens Quay On Saturday 25th May
Opening hours:
Saturday 25th Sunday 26th 11am – 7pm
Monday 27 10am – 6pm
St George’s Market opening hours are
Friday 24th 6am - 2pm
Saturday 25th 9am - 3pm
Sunday 26th 10am - 4pm
Monday closed.

A free maritime shuttlebus will operate during the Maritime Festival. Departing from Chichester Street in the city centre the bus will take you down to Queen’s Quay. A return service will leave from Station Street, dropping off at St George’s Market and the Continental Market at City Hall.