Ards and North Down Showcase Local Artists at Unique Festive Shopping Experiences

Museum Late Night Shopping PR photo

This Christmas season, shoppers in Ards and North Down are being invited to try two unique festive shopping experiences where they can browse and purchase beautiful, handcrafted products created by local artists and makers. Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the special ‘Made in AND’ events will be located in North Down Museum, Bangor, and Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, and are sure to offer ideal Christmas gifts.

North Down Museum’s Christmas Pop-Up Shop takes place from Wednesday 23 November to Sunday 8 January. The museum’s galleries will be festively decorated and filled with stunning, hand-made products, the perfect place to get that special gift whilst supporting local artists. The shop is free to explore during museum opening hours.

To launch the Pop-Up Christmas Shop, the museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event on Thursday 24 November, where visitors can browse the galleries and buy unique presents in a completely different way. Supported by Northern Ireland Museum’s Council Late Shift Programme, the special event will also feature live music and artists' demonstrations.

Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian Gallery will be the setting for a Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop, exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted produce made by the Creative Peninsula Artists. Running from Saturday 26 November to Friday 16 December, visitors can be inspired to purchase a wonderful, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the Borough of Ards and North Down. The shop will be curated and displayed in 'edits' to further inspire you and help you find that perfect gift for someone special.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:

“These pop-up shops are a wonderful opportunity for local artists and makers to showcase and sell their products in the lead-up to Christmas. Now more than ever, artists need our support and I would encourage people to come and visit North Down Museum and Ards Arts Centre and support local this festive season.”

Photo caption: Eva Lynch (Development Officer at Northern Ireland Museum Council) with the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, and local artist Ellen Cunningham. (Image: Nigel Williamson.)

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