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10 Nov 2025
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10 Nov 2025
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The city and district’s festive campaign for 2025 is set to kick off in spectacular fashion with the opening of the Guildhall Craft Fair next weekend. This year, the premier shopping event is placing a spotlight on local innovation, welcoming 13 new stands, including two exciting textile companies making their debut Rafiki from Plumbridge and The Foxes Wedding from Derry.
Coming just weeks after the hugely successful Halloween celebrations, the fair marks the official start of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Christmas festivities, running for three days from Friday, November 14 until Sunday, November 16.
The Guildhall Craft Fair is always associated with attracting a very high standard of goods to reflect the quality of local craft and design and both Rafiki Collection and The Foxes Wedding represent the very best of that emerging local talent.
Rafiki Collection is the brainchild of Margaret ‘Madge’ Kelly, launched in 2020 from Plumbridge. Madge’s distinctive line of products are all made from vibrant Ankara fabrics. She personally designs, cuts, and sews every single item, guaranteeing a unique and handcrafted feel.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to be part of the Guildhall Craft Fair for the first time. The Guildhall is such a stunning and prestigious venue, and we are really looking forward to showcasing our vibrant Ankara fabrics and designs to a new audience. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase African Prints in promoting cultural awareness and integration."
The Foxes Wedding was established in 2022 by Alison Hancock from Derry City. This innovative company specialises in sustainable textiles, clothing, and accessories. Alison’s commitment to sustainability shines through her use of naturally dyed garments and natural fibres like Northern Irish linen, silk, cotton, wool, and calico.
Speaking ahead of the event next week she said: "I couldn't be more thrilled that The Foxes Wedding will be making its debut at the Guildhall Craft Fair this year. This event is renowned for quality, and it’s the perfect place to present our naturally dyed, sustainable clothing and accessories. We look forward to meeting fellow crafters and customers who appreciate ethical, handcrafted design."
The fair will feature a total of 51 businesses displaying their wares, ranging from ceramics (e.g., Ashleigh Collim Ceramics and Lichen Ceramics), exquisite jewellery (e.g., Island Jewellery), and unique pieces like those from Bog and Brass, which crafts items from Irish bogland materials.
The Fair will be open from 10.00am until 6.00pm daily, and entry is free. Adding to the atmosphere, one of the fair's most popular elements will return, with four different choirs performing on the main stage in the Guildhall each day, providing the perfect soundtrack for the start of Christmas shopping. A small food and drink fair will also be available in the Whittaker Suite on the ground floor.
Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris, who is officially opening the Fair next weekend, is encouraging the public to support the event.
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. 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.
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