30/12/2025
As 2025 comes to an end, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on what has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on.
This Christmas Market was a very personal project for me and honestly, it would not have been the success it was without the incredible people behind the scenes and the 65,000 visitors who supported it over the five weeks. What started as an idea grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined.
My core team Maxine, my right-hand woman who I would be truly lost without, Maurica Mackle from Mackle Communications and Karen from Beyond the Branding. Maurica and Karen were my incredible communications and marketing duo 👯 I’m convinced they could sell ice to penguins and still make it look effortless! Their expertise in their respective fields was invaluable in getting the word out, keeping everyone engaged and bringing the market to life. Along with my friends and family who were roped in whether they liked it or not. You kept me sane, supported every mad idea and showed up every single time. And to my husband, (poor Liam) who has been listening to me plan Christmas since February and still stuck it out 😂 thank you for the patience, support and endless reassurance.
A huge thank you to Conor Moran from DSD Visual Audio. The screen, the sound and the overall experience he helped create completely elevated the market. His vision, knowledge and calm presence throughout were impeccable. iUR FM also deserve a big mention for keeping the atmosphere alive with an updated festive playlist throughout the five weeks.
Thank you to our main sponsors, R KINGS Competitions, Canal Court Hotel & Spa Newry Credit Union whose support played a key role in making this event possible. We’ll be sharing a dedicated sponsor thank-you and full coverage as part of our wrap-up very soon.
Special thanks also to Haldane Fisher Northern Ireland whose help with supplies for the grotto build was invaluable, and Boyds Stores Newry whose support and promotion of both the markets and the concept helped us reach and engage the wider community.
We are extremely grateful to NEWRY BID who supported this project from the very start. From radio support via IÚR-fm billboard promotion, car park advertising and ongoing guidance, their backing was invaluable. A special thank you to Eamon, who supported the idea from the outset and believed in the concept from day one.
A massive thank you to DG Security for their professionalism and endless support from our very first meeting through to the gates closing on the final night. I’m really looking forward to working with you again.
Thank you also to our incredible Santa’s Grotto team, 🎅 who delivered magic and memories for every family who walked through the door.
To Kathy from The Choir Studio thank you for going out of your way to support both me and the event. Your fabulous choir filled the market with joy on two occasions and brought such a special atmosphere.
We were also delighted to support many charities throughout the event, helping raise awareness and funds for important causes.
Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner Other charities supported included Newry Hospice, Evora Hospice, Down Right Brilliant, The Bolster Community The Samaritans and PIPS.
Thank you to all contractors who helped transform the market space week after week, especially to my bestie Bap and his team who transformed the market space and built our beautiful grotto, also to Barry & Matthew Surewire electrical services ltd electrician team who kept everything running smoothly (they had their work cut out for them) 🙈 Honestly couldn’t have entrusted this project with a better team.💥
A special mention to Declan McConaghy Show who gave us the most incredible finale on the final night. His brilliant compère skills during the prize giveaway had the crowd completely mesmerised - singing, dancing and fully soaking up the atmosphere. It was the perfect way to close out the markets and sent everyone home on such a high.
A huge thank you to all of our vendors and traders for the quality, creativity and festive magic you brought to the market. Your commitment and passion played a huge part in welcoming over 65,000 visitors, and we look forward to building on this again in the future.
I would also like to sincerely thank the local media for the fantastic coverage and ongoing support throughout the five weeks. Your promotion and positive storytelling played a huge role in spreading the word and building excitement.
A huge thank you to the caretakers of the market, Raymond and Declan who genuinely became part of the furniture (in the best possible way) over the five weeks. From opening gates at the crack of dawn to locking up long after the last sparkle had faded, nothing was ever too much trouble. Always calm, always helpful and always appearing exactly when something needed fixing usually before anyone else even noticed. The market simply wouldn’t have run without you, and I’m so grateful for your hard work, patience and good humour throughout.
I would also like to thank Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for facilitating the use of the market space and ensuring staff were on site to assist throughout the event. Their cooperation and support helped make it possible for the Christmas Market to take place, and I look forward to building on this again next year.
This has been the first proper Christmas since my mum passed away and while it was a very emotional year, this project and the amazing people I met along the way helped turn a very sad year into something positive, meaningful and full of heart. For that, I will always be grateful.💕
To everyone who visited, supported local traders, brought your families and helped create such a special atmosphere, thank you. Welcoming over 65,000 visitors in our very first year is something I will never forget. This was our first year and it is only the beginning.
We are already starting to plan for 2026 and applications for next year’s Christmas Market will open in late January. Spaces will be limited, so make sure you don’t miss out on being part of something truly special.
We will be sharing a wrap-up video very soon and I would love if you could also take a moment to complete our customer evaluation so we can make next year even better.
Thank you Newry. See you next year ❤️🎄
