The Twilight Market was back for 2 nights with an array of local food and drink traders and a selection of local handmade crafts too. Pop-up restaurants included Neill’s Hill offering quinoa and spicy Italian hot dogs but I couldn’t look past Coppi’s Sicilian goat ragu which was nicely washed down with a crisp Long Meadow Cider. Followed by a punchy SD Bells brew and a slice of Dolce Italiani’s orange and lavender cake – I was in food heaven.
Food vendors included my favourite Jolly Pie lads with tasty filled pastry to enjoy there and then or to take home and Wolf and Devour who were serving up Hannan’s Shorthorn beef. Yum! There was so much to taste and sample from sweet ice-cream and gin infused chocolate to savory breads and oils.
The bustling market atmosphere was complimented with live music from The Steve Experiment and Gavin Ferris in the maritime setting of Fisherman’s Wharf, a beautifully decorated area with lanterns, seagulls and nets. Another enchanting area to sit, dine and natter was the Orchard with its wooden tables and chairs and blossoming trees.
As well as food and drink market goers could also peruse the various arts and crafts stalls including the beautifully decorated Belfast Times stall with their butterflies and clouds. Here you can pick up funky wares such as mugs and coasters paying homage to our Belfast Landmarks and Northern Irish sayings.
With locals and tourists coming to get a flavour of our local traders offering international and local cuisine the market was buzzing. A lovely event for the city which is set to return throughout the year. In the meantime the market is open every weekend Friday to Sunday – be sure to try the orange and lavender cake!
A now established highlight in our city’s calendar of events the seasonally themed Twilight Markets will return in 2017. The ‘Spring Picnic’ will take place at St George’s Market on 9 and 10 May, followed by the ‘Summer Beach Party’ on 1 and 2 August and finally the ‘Twinkling Winter’ market on 7 and 8 November.
More details including trader information can be found on the Belfast City Council website here
