Guildhall Craft Fair marks official start to 2025 Christmas season in Derry

The city and district’s festive campaign for 2025 will get off to a visually enticing start with the opening of the 2025 Guildhall Craft Fair next weekend. Coming just weeks after the hugely successful Halloween celebrations, the fair marks the official start of the Council's Christmas festivities.

A range of quality traders and producers from across Ireland will be part of the exquisite shopping event which sees an emporium of goods, gifts and treats on sale for three days, from Friday, November 14 until Sunday, November 16.

The fair will feature a range of textile and wooden items, ceramics, glassware and jewellery, as well as a range of varied crafts and giftware to cover every taste, all bespoke and handmade on the island of Ireland.

With a total of 51 businesses displaying their goods and wares and free entry, large crowds are expected to attend the event, which will be open from 10am until 6pm each day. As always there will be a small food and drink fair in the Whittaker Suite on the ground floor while the craft producers take over the upstairs of the spectacular building.

Thirteen crafters and producers will make their debut at the popular shopping event this year, alongside a range of established stands, many of whom only trade at a few events per year outside of their own studios.

The high standard of goods on offer reflects the quality of Irish craft and design. Visitors will find intricate and personal gifts, from the striking contemporary pieces by Ashleigh Collim Ceramics and Lichen Ceramics, to the delicate, nature-inspired pieces from Island Jewellery and Bluebell Handmade Jewellery.

For textiles, Elsie Tweed will showcase luxury handwoven accessories, while for something truly unique, Bog and Brass will exhibit pieces crafted from Irish bogland materials. Beyond home goods and fashion, the fair provides a platform for artisan specialities. For pet lovers, Doganic Barkery offers organic treats, while wellness and self-care products are catered for by Anam Wellness and Spiral Soul Apothecary.

The sheer diversity ensures that visitors can find gifts that are not only unique but also locally sourced and ethically produced, truly representing the best of the region's creative economy.

One of the most popular elements of the fair is always the Choirs and this year will be no exception with four choirs performing on the main stage in the Guildhall each day.  Also important to highlight this year is the fact that entry is free!

Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris who will attend the official opening, said she is looking forward to the Fair and encouraging the public to support it. She said: "Following the spectacular success of our Halloween celebrations, we are excited to officially kick off the Christmas season with the return of the Guildhall Craft Fair.

"This event is a fantastic way to enjoy the festive atmosphere in our stunning Guildhall, but it is also a vital platform for our talented local craft makers.

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"I strongly encourage everyone to attend, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the choirs, and most importantly, support the livelihoods of these independent businesses by shopping local."

The Guildhall Craft Fair 2025 takes place from Friday, November 14 – Sunday, November 16 2025, from 10.00am – 6.00pm daily at the Guildhall, Derry. Entry is free.

The 2025 Guildhall Craft Fair features 51 exhibitors, including the following:

• Aloha Beads by Alex: Handcrafted jewellery and beadwork.
• Anam Wellness: Natural wellness products and self-care items.
• Angel Wood Candles: Artisan candles and home fragrances.
• Ashleigh Collim Ceramics: Contemporary functional and sculptural ceramics.
• Bey & Bo: Handmade gifts and accessories, typically for children or home decor.
• Bluebell Handmade Jewellery: Unique handmade silver and gemstone jewellery.
• Bog and Brass: Unique jewellery and art pieces using natural Irish bogland materials.
• Celtic Irish Art: Irish-themed art prints and paintings.
• Corrick Woodworking: Handcrafted wooden gifts and homewares.
• Doganic Barkery: Artisan, organic dog treats and pet bakery items.
• DPW Printmakers: Hand-pulled prints and original artwork.
• Elsie Tweed: Luxury handwoven tweed textiles and accessories.
• Glassistudio: Bespoke glass art, including fused and stained glass.
• Granny Knitter: Hand-knitted items, including garments and accessories.
• HoneyComb Cabin: Handmade goods, often featuring wood or bee-related themes.
• I AM SELF-CARE: Wellness, beauty, and self-care products.
• Island Jewellery: Jewellery inspired by the Irish coastline and landscape.
• Joanne Gault Ceramics: Hand-thrown pottery and ceramic art.
• Kellee Cottage Crafts: Traditional and country-style crafts and gifts.
• Leona Devine: Unique mixed media or visual art pieces.
• Lichen Ceramics: Handcrafted ceramic pieces with unique textures and glazes.
• Maureen McGhee: Textiles or mixed media art.
• Molly's Brae: Artisan food or home-produced goods.
• Mount Ida Pottery: Traditional or contemporary pottery pieces.
• Nómada: Artisan lifestyle goods, likely leather or travel-themed accessories.
• Scenic Woodcraft: Wood turning and crafted items showcasing natural wood grain.
• Spiral Soul Apothecary: Handcrafted natural remedies and cosmetic/bath products.
• Susan's Bead Creations: Unique beadwork jewellery and decorative items.
• Vine Haugh Ceramics: Handcrafted ceramic vessels and decor.
• Wild Atlantic Sea Art: Art and crafts inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way and the sea.
• Willowstudios: Studio producing fine art.