Naturally North Coast and Glens To Showcase Thriving Artisan Market at Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival 2023

Naturally North Coast and Glens is looking forward to participating in the highly anticipated Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival 2023.  The festival, celebrating Ballycastle and Rathlin Island's rich maritime heritage, will take place from May 26th to June 4th, and the artisan market will be a prominent highlight during the event.

Shauna Mc Fall from Naturally North Coast and Glens CIC said:

"We are showcasing 101 small businesses within the market at this year’s festival. Alongside some popular regular faces, you’ll find a wide selection of new business start-ups at the festival market, including several who will be trading for the first time. 

Naturally North Coast and Glens is proud to provide a platform for these emerging food producers creatives & artists, offering them a valuable opportunity to develop their business and connect with a wider audience.

In addition to supporting new traders, the market is also committed to fostering young entrepreneurs. We are delighted to feature a number of young and innovative individuals who have taken the plunge into the world of entrepreneurship, many of whom are taking part in the National Market Trader Federation Young Traders Competition later this year in Belfast.  Opportunities like this will help them develop their skills ahead of the upcoming competition. 

The market plays a vital role in supporting small start-up businesses from throughout Northern Ireland. By providing a welcoming and vibrant marketplace, it allows these entrepreneurs to gain exposure, develop their skills and confidence, build a customer base, and establish their brands. The market platform enables them to grow and thrive, contributing to the local economy and creating a vibrant, sustainable community.  

Visitors to the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that by exploring the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, they are directly supporting these small businesses and contributing to the success of local entrepreneurs. Discover the stories behind the products, find out more about where your food comes from and meet the passionate individuals behind the products on offer.

You can find the Artisan Market at the Ballycastle seafront on the following days of the festival:

Saturday, May 27th: 11am – 4pm

Sunday, May 28th: 11am – 5pm

Monday, May 29th: 11am – 4pm

The market is featuring a wide range of produce including local food, street food, farm produce, art, craft, woodwork, ceramics, children's items, pet products, haberdashery, home fragrance, baked goods & sweet treats, garden and home products, jewellery, skincare & cosmetics, photography, glassware, and more….

The festival market also takes place during the NABMA annual Love Your local Market Campaign.  Join us at the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival and support this thriving community!"

The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival celebrates Ballycastle and Rathlin Island's maritime heritage at the ten-day festival from 26th May - 4th June. 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are working with Ballycastle Community Development Group and RathlinDevelopment and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry land and at sea, inspired by the RathlinSound – the body of water between Rathlin Island and the mainland in Ballycastle.

Over the festival it is recommended that you keep an eye out for updates on the festival's Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) account, as the schedule is subject to change due to tides and weather.  You may also contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre (VIC) on Tel: 028 2076 2024