Christmas magic is already in the air as local traders and creatives are invited to grab a place at Aberdeen’s glittering festive market, Curated In The Square.
Applications to join this hugely popular Yuletide event – which raises funds for local charity Charlie House - are open now, with many businesses already clamouring to set out their stall at the winter wonderland of wooden chalets around Marischal Square.
Organisers of Curated In The Square are offering 27 chalets to attract the finest mix of food, drink, arts, crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery from the cream of the North-east traders for six weekends in the run up to Christmas.
Staged by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, Curated In The Square will be a central attraction for the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street, which is expected to bring thousands of people into the city centre.
The Aberdeen Christmas Village will open daily from November 12 January 3 (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
Curated In The Square festive market will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, December 20, then finishing up with a run from Monday, December 21, to Wednesday, December 23.
Traders and creatives wanting to be part of the much-loved market are being urged to act quickly before applications close on Friday, September 11th.
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “It is always a joy for Charlie House to play a part in Aberdeen’s Christmas Village, which brings so much excitement to the city during the festive season.
We urge local traders to apply for this fantastic opportunity to be part of this year's market. Every chalet helps us continue our vital work with babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, while also giving traders the chance to showcase their talent and contribute to the magic of the festive season.
“Last year £27,780 was raised for the charity following the markets successful debut within Marischal Square”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “I know I am not alone in looking forward to the return of the Curated festive market as one of the highlights of Christmas in the Granite City – as much a part of the festivities as turkey and all the trimmings.
“It is a joyous place to visit and enjoy and, more importantly, an outstanding showcase for some of the finest producers and makers in the North-east from superb food and drink to wonderful art, crafts and even fashion.
“It is frequently named as one of the top festive markets in the country and the Aberdeen Christmas village as among the best of its kind in the UK, bringing thousands of people into the city centre, encouraging them to spend time here and to support local. That is the best Christmas gift the city can have.”
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, said: “Curated in the Square is a fantastic and much-loved addition to our festive programme, bringing local businesses into the heart of the city to showcase their products.
“This not only supports our vibrant city centre, but also helps to raise vital funds for Charlie House, making it a celebration with real community spirit.”
John Codona, director of Codona’s, said: “Our whole team are really looking forward to another year at Aberdeen Christmas Village and the return of Curated in the Square.
“The festive market allows local traders and crafters to thrive in these challenging times and supports the fantastic Charlie House charity.
“This year’s Christmas Village will also include the ice rink, rides for all ages and festive food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. We invite everyone to come along and enjoy the festive fun.”
Applications for a place at the Christmas market are open now via the Charlie House website. They will close on Friday, September 11, with successful applicants notified by email no later than Wednesday September 30.
Each three-day weekend is priced at £220 plus VAT per chalet, with 100% of stallholder fees donated to Charlie House.
To apply, or to find out more about Curated In The Square visit the Charlie House website events page Curated In The Square Curated in the Square - Charlie House