Christmas Market at Dunamaise Arts Centre promises to be bigger and better
x
THE Dunamaise Arts Centre’s second annual indoor Christmas Market will take place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November, and the management is calling out to artists, makers and creators who wish to display and sell their works at the two-day festive fair to apply.
While actively encouraging people to shop locally by supporting the county’s talented artificers this festive season the Dunamaise is suggesting that people gift family and friends with unique art pieces, handmade crafts, and theatre tickets for the fantastic line-up of upcoming events for the festive season.
The Christmas Market took place in the foyer of the centre last Christmas and was a very successful event featuring a small, curated selection of artists, makers and artisan food makers.
However, the Dunamaise Arts Centre communications manager, Laura Dunne, told the that this year the Christmas market will be bigger and better.
She said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of our Christmas Market this year. We’ll be bringing artists, makers, crafters, artisan food makers and more to the Dunamaise to celebrate the holiday season.
“Last year we piloted our artisan, art and craft market in the foyer. This year we’re looking to expand on that. This cosy festive market will feature handcrafted goods, locally produced foods, and holiday décor that captures the spirit of Portlaoise at Christmas. Visitors will enjoy festive food and beverages including mulled wine, teas, coffees, and seasonal treats provided by Laois Tastes and the Dunamaise Bar.
“We are co-facilitating the event with Laois County Council and Creative Ireland Laois to bring more creativity and more space. We’re really going to kick-off Christmas with lots of creativity! To make the market more special We’ll have the man himself - Santa Claus at the Christmas Market on Saturday 29 November and we’ll feature unique activities including a family art and crafts table and cookie decorating with Brie’s Bakes.
“Laois County Council is helping us to provide a Santa experience so we’ll have a memorable meet-and-greet with Santa where families can capture a holiday keepsake photo with a professional photographer and people of all ages can come along, meet Santa, and ask him for tickets to the shows they want to see here at the Dunamaise!
“We’re making a huge effort to be more eco conscious so instead of buying random things this Christmas people can buy theatre experiences and gift loved ones with tickets for the wonderful memory of attending a show in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.” The Christmas Market marks the beginning of the Dunamaise Arts Centre’s feast of festive performances and special events making it the ideal spot for early Christmas shopping and a one-stop-shop for unique meaningful gifts.
Vendors interested in participating at the Christmas Market can search www.dunamaise.ie find Christmas Market then click - Apply here for a Market Table and fill in their details. Spaces are limited. It is preferred that stallholders are available for both Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November. The Box-Office can be contacted on 057 8663355.
