Crafty Business - The Black Market, Belfast

Over the next few months, Greensheen Blogger will be posting regular features on grass roots Arts and Craft Fairs. If you'd like to champion an event that specialises in traditional crafts, eco art, all things home made and alternative gifts, we'd love to hear from you, via email to greensheenblogger@gmail.com. Help spread the word about the type of markets and fairs that provide a stage for talents and trades from your area.

First up: 

The Black Market, The Black Box, Belfast

First Sunday of Every Month, 12 - 5pm.

This Sunday will see November's Black Market held at it's regular location in Belfast's Black Box. The event, the brainchild of Ocilliations Festival Organiser Ryan O'Reilly and Helen McDonald of Skullduggary Tatu, has been steadily building up quite the reputation since it's début in 2008, and now attracts hundreds of visitors each month all flocking to buy some of the best alternative arts and crafts in Northern Ireland.

Originally formed with a mind to concentrate on all things grass roots and DIY, the event provides stalls free of charge, with a voluntary donation to local charities, all within a cool and relaxed atmosphere that includes guest DJ spots, live bands, film screening and workshops. Stalls include rare vinyl, vintage clothing, handmade jewellery and kitsch homewear, with plenty of tasty treats and snacks (alcoholic drinks will be served on presentation of a valid ID).

One thing definitely worth checking out at this month's fair will be the stall of Belfast photographer and regular Greensheen contributor Atif Farooq. Atif will have 40 mounted prints on sale which are expected to sell pretty quickly, so those interested should get down early.

  

Alice Quigley, market organiser said, “The Black Market is the perfect place to find an array of Christmas presents you won’t get in any of the high street shops.  It’s full of amazingly talented local designers, illustrators and crafters alongside bountiful stalls from collectors of records, books and vintage clothing.  The news may be full of economic doom and gloom but at the Black Market it’s still possible to find that perfect gift at an affordable price…and know that no one else will have it this Christmas.”

 

It's free entry and this months event will be this Sunday. And for those who haven't been to the Black Box, it's an indoor venue, so you don't have to brave the Belfast wet and windy weather. Bonus.