First EastSide Christmas Market takes place

Thank you to everyone who came to C.S. Lewis Square for first EastSide Christmas Market on Thursday 14th December.

The event wrapped up a fantastic first year which has seen over 200,000 visits to the square to date.

Since opening a year ago, the C.S. Lewis Square has hosted a 10k run, a series of markets, the Commonwealth Baton as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay, aerial stunt performances with Belfast International Arts Festival and so much more. Even Victor the skateboarding dog is a fan!

The EastSide Christmas Market was supported by the Holywood Arches Business Association, East Belfast DPCSP, Belfast City Council and EastSide Partnership. The event hosted market stalls selling hot food, Christmas crafts and gifts, there was street theatre by Elvin the Elf and Jack Frost from Premiere Circus and entertainment from the EastSide Arts Choir.

Even Santa cycled along the Greenway to join Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister at the square’s first official Christmas tree light switch on.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Santa to switch on the Christmas tree lights for the first time at CS Lewis Square – and I know that Aslan will be keeping a watchful eye over us all! It’s a really magical place for families – and people of all ages - to meet and I can only imagine that it will become an even more special place to visit over the festive season.

“The EastSide Christmas Market is the perfect way to wrap up what’s been a wonderful first year for the CS Lewis Square. This place is proof that investing in shared space and our public realm really does improve quality of life – and that’s something that we in Belfast City Council are passionate about.”

Michele Bryans, Acting Programme Manager for Connswater Community Greenway commented:
“We are delighted to see the CS Lewis Square hosting so many interesting and attractive activities, with over 200,000 visits to date. Belfast is such a vibrant city with lots to offer local people and tourists – we’re proud that CS Lewis Square is contributing to this and we are very much looking forward to our first EastSide Christmas Market.”