Castlereagh City Council

Alderman James Baird, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee, joins Jitterbug Jackson at the 2026 Moira Speciality Food Fair, which took place at Moira Demesne on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August.

Thousands flock to Moira Speciality Food Fair for a feast of local flavour

Maggie Geraghty, Ella & Lucy Munnelly with dogs Pixie & Dusty

6 pictures from the Royal Hillsborough market

Alderman James Baird, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee (Centre) with (L to R) Tim Smith, Johnsons Coffee, Sabeh Sendi, Carthago, Coop Coffee Co’s Katie Logan & Molly Simpson, Chef Chris McGowan, Wine & Brine and Darius Kittle from Tullyveery Market Garden at the launch of the 2026 Moira Speciality Food Fair which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026 at Moira Demesne.

Moira Speciality Food Fair returns with new experiences and food favourites

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market returns to the shaded Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort on Saturday 25 July, from 10am to 4pm, for the third and final event in this summer's series.

Final taste of summer to feature at July’s Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market

Following a successful return to the beloved Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council annual schedule of food and drink events in May, the second Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market of the summer will return to the enchanting Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort on Saturday 27th June, from 10am to 4pm.

Summer is in full swing at Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market

High hedges

More complaints received by NI councils regarding high hedges than elsewhere

Pupils from Anahilt Primary School with Wayne Wedlock from the Ferguson Memorial Museum, Councillor Andrew Gowan and Gordon Lyons MLA

Birthplace and homestead of Harry Ferguson is secured for museum

Pupils from Anahilt Primary School with principal Andy Smyth and Councillor Andrew Gowan, along with Robert Kerr and Wayne Wedlock from Ferguson Memorial Museum

Birthplace and homestead of Harry Ferguson is secured for museum

An interior view of a Lidl store

Planning approval for a new Lidl store at Sprucefield

Councillor Claire Kemp, centre, with Molly Simpson and Katie Logan, Coop Coffee, and (L to R) Artist Ali Parks, Tori McCaughey, Tori’s Coffee Bakes and Cakes, Oscar Woolley, Suki Tea, and Grainne Phillips, Little Cake Works.

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns with expanded two-day format

Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Alderman Amanda Grehan, Coca-Cola HBC’s corporate affairs and sustainability director Tom Burke, and members of the Robinson family celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished Robinson Theatre

Coca-Cola HBC enhances visitor experience with revamped theatre

Pictured at the 10th annual Moira Speciality Food Fair are (l-r) Cllr Claire Kemp, Chair of the LCCC Regeneration & Growth Commitee with Isla and Aaron Heasley, Moon Gelato.

Moira Speciality Food Fair exceeds all expectations

Jonny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie, Councillor Claire Kemp, and Noreen Van der Velde, Noreen’s Nettles.

Celebrate 10 years of the Moira Speciality Food Fair

B Corp certified SUKI Tea Makers owner Oscar Woolley with Alderman Amanda Grehan and Mayor Dickson of LCCC. (Photo: McAuley Multimedia)

Flying the flag for Lisburn and Castlereagh at Balmoral

Promoting Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) support of the ‘Nip it in the Bud’ campaign are: (r-l) Mayor of LCCC, Councillor Kurtis Dickson; Caitriona Crawford, National Manager (Northern Ireland) with The Farming Community Network; Councillor Tim Mitchell; George Doherty, Programme Officer (FCN Northern Ireland) and Alderman James Baird.

Council support for “Nip it in the Bud” campaign

Go Succeed to showcase business support at Balmoral Show. Pictured L-R: Group Operations Director at Eikon Exhibition Centre and Balmoral Show Rhonda Geary, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Alderman Amanda Grehan, and Cachi Foods Owner James Kielt.

Go Succeed to showcase business support at Balmoral Show
Northern Ireland’s dedicated business support service, Go Succeed, will be attending this year’s Balmoral Show to offer expert support and guidance to aspiring and established business owners.
Business Reporter

Autumn Liperis with Santa

21 great pictures showing festive cheer across Lisburn and Castlereagh

Carryduff Christmas Market promises to be a truly festive event in the heart of the community. This much anticipated Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council event takes place on Wednesday 18th December from 4pm to 8pm in the new Carryduff Lidl store car park.

Experience the magic of Carryduff Christmas Market

Erin & Andrew Mulholland, Pig Out, Alderman Amanda Grehan, Caroyln Hamill, The Woofternoon Tea Company, and Ruairi Burns, Hinch Distillery.

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market set to delight visitors once again

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns on Friday 13th December from 3pm-9pm. Hosted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, this charming market will take place along The Dark Walk, creating a magical atmosphere for evening shoppers. Visitors can expect a cosy night of festive shopping, with local businesses in the village also staying open late to join in on the festivities. Pictured at the launch of the Council’s Christmas Markets are: (l-r) Erin Mulholland and Andrew Mulholland, Pig Out, Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chair of Regeneration and Growth Committee, Caroyln Hamill of The Woofternoon Tea Company and Ruairi Burns, Hinch Distillery

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market is set to delight visitors once again

Pictured at Saturday's Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market are, (l-r) Terry McCartan, Hinch Distillery; Ken Baird, Pot Hill Apiary; Helen Wright, Cohen & Co; Tori MCaughey, Tori’s Coffee Bakes & Cakes and Gavin McShane, Little Popcorn Shop

Another successful year of Royal Hillsborough Farmers Markets come to a close

Stephanie Martin, Ballydown Milk with Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee and Rosie McNeill, Rosie McNeill Cakes

Second and final Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market takes place next week

Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch

Entrepreneurs invited to make ‘ultimate pitch’ for business investment

Charlene McKinstry, Gracehill Flower Farm; Ilse van Staden, Ke Nako Biltong; Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee; Richard Wallace, Ballylisk of Armagh; Ching Yi Yuen, Eastern Bagel and Karen Patterson from DAERA’s Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme

The best of NI’s artisan produce celebrated at the Moira Speciality Food Fair

A firm favourite in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s calendar of food and drink events, the Moira Speciality Food Fair will set up once again on Saturday 17th August in Moira Demesne. Visitors to the 1-day event can expect a showcase of the best of Northern Irish artisan produce, crafts, chefs, street food and entertainment. Pictured at the launch of the annual Food Fair are: (l-r) Chef Chris McGowan, Wine & Brine; Rosie McNeill, Rosie McNeill Cakes; Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee, Alderman Amanda Grehan; Chef Leigh Ferguson, 101 Origin Moira; Matt Henry, Loki’ s Coffee and Stephanie Martin, Ballydown Mil

Save the date for the return of the Moira Speciality Food Fair

Pictured at the launch of the Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market are (l-r), Hannah & Shane Donaldson, Round House Bakery (shop open in village); Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee, Alderman Amanda Grehan; Aaron Heasley, Moon Gelato and Victoria Allen, Potters Hill Plants.

50 stalls lined up for the Dark Walk

Gavin McShane of the Little Popcorn Shop in Lisburn is creating highly original flavours. (Pic: supplied)

Enterprising Gavin pops up in Lisburn with a smart snack idea
GAVIN McShane created a successful small business during the traumatic Covid lockdown.
Sam Butler

From left to right: Councillor Uel Mackin, Sara McClintock (chair), the Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy, Dr Andy Bridge (manager) and Councillor Alan Martin. Picture: Submitted

Lagan Valley Regional Park unveils visionary five-year strategy

With just a day to go until the ‘big day’ arrives, the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will welcome festive visitors back to the Dundonald Christmas Market this Thursday at Comber Road Square from 4pm-8pm. Pictured at the launch of the Dundonald Christmas Market is, (left to right) Councillor John Laverty BEM, Chair of the Lisburn and Castlereagh Regeneration & Growth Committee, with Andrew McGuire, Chala Chai and Tori McCaughey, Tori's Coffee, Bakes and Cakes. Picture: Submitted

Dundonald Christmas Market is back, taking place this Thursday

Pictured at the launch of the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market are, Andrew McGuire, Chala Chai, chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee, Councillor John Laverty BEM, Claire Geddis, Wild Shore and Tori McCaughey, Tori's Coffee, Bakes and Cakes. Picture: Submitted

Royal Hillsborough rolls out red carpet for return of annual Christmas Market

Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan is pictured with Gareth Gault, better known as 'Donkey' of Grassmen. Picture: Submitted

Grassmen team up with Santa for lights switch on

Pictured at the launch of this year's Moira Speciality Food Fair are, Rebecca Vance, RARE Grazing NI, Councillor John Laverty MBE, chairman of the Regeneration & Growth Committee, Aaron Heasley, Moon Gelato and Massimo Fierro, Pizza Street. Picture: LCCC

Moira Speciality Food Fair will make its return this August

Marketgoers flocked to Royal Hillsborough on Saturday to attend Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market on The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort. Pictured at the market are, left to right, Charlene McKinstry, Gracehill Flower Farm and Councillor John Laverty BEM, Chairman of the council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee. Picture: LCCC

Gates close on the Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market for another year

On the final Saturday in May, almost 6000 visitors arrived in Royal Hillsborough to attend the first of two Royal Hillsborough Farmers Markets hosted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. Set up on the picturesque Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort

Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market reigns supreme

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has announced the return of two Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market this summer taking place on the last Saturday of May and June along The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort. Marketgoers can expect around 50 local artisan traders, producers and makers from the council area and further afield, who will showcase their diverse produce, crafts and designs. Pictured at the launch of the summer markets are, (l-r) Mark McCorry, Barkelicious; Victoria Allen, Potters Hill Plants; Tori McCaughey, Tori’s Coffee, Bakes and Cakes; Charlene McKinstry, Gracehill Flower Farm; Niall McSharry, The Gardener’s Kitchen; Hannah Donaldson, Round House Bakery; Averil Milligan, Wild about soaps and Gavin McShane, Little Popcorn Shop

Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market ‘summer series’ returns later this month

Horticulture student, Jacob Mercer from Newtownabbey, with Head of Horticulture CAFRE, Paul Mooney, along with Stephen Mackle, Acting Head of Parks, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and student, Rory Dougan from Derry, at the CAFRE Horticulture Careers Event.

CAFRE students attend Horticulture Careers Fair

Ald Amanda Grehan, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee Chair (right), joins owner of Lisburn’s Blixt Bakery Zara Shiels and Daisy the Dalmatian to launch the upcoming Valentine’s Day Market. Scheduled to take place at Castle Gardens, Lisburn from 10.00am - 2.00pm on Saturday 12 th February, the market will give shoppers the opportunity to support local independent producers including artisan food and drink traders, food trucks, and crafts as well as offering free entertainment and crafting for children. For more information visit
www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com.

Valentines Market to showcase unique gifts

Local traders Cathryn Abernethy of Pink Paper Designs, Zoe Shiels of Blixt Bakery and Kelsey Carroll of Squiggles and Sketches pictured with Cllr Hazel Legge, Vice Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee (centre).

Festive season in full swing as Carryduff welcomes christmas market today!

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will host the final Hillsborough Farmers Market of the year this month on The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, with the very best local, seasonal and artisan food on offer as well as a horticultural and craft offering. Pictured at the previous markets are: (l-r) Ald. Amanda Grehan, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Development Committee Chair and Sinead MacAtamney, Ellie Mac Candles.

Final Hillsborough Farmers Market of the year planned

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will host its Hillsborough Farmers Market series through August, September and October on The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, with the very best local, seasonal and artisan food on offer as well as a horticultural and craft offering. Pictured at the launch of the market series are (l-r) Victoria Allen, Potters Hill Plants; Aaron Heasley, Moon Gelato; Hannah & Shane Donaldson, Spontaneous Deuce and Alderman Amanda Grehan, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Development Committee Chair.

Farmers Market showcases award-winning producers

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA officially opened a £117,000 redevelopment project on the Larchfield Estate in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area. Sarah and Gavin Mackie, the owners of Larchfield Estate, redeveloped the ‘Old Piggery’ following an award of £50,000 through the Rural Business Investment Scheme under the LEADER element of the NI Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020. The project was administered by Lagan Rural Partnership (LRP) Local Action Group. Minister Poots is pictured with Sarah and Gavin Mackie at the ‘Oild Piggery’ building on the Larchfield Estate. Photo Simon Graham Photography.

Larchfield Estate undergoes £117,000 refurbishment

Left to right: Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Development Committee Chairman; Edwin Poots MLA, Rural Affairs Minister; Abbie Cummings, pupil of Beechlawn Special School; Alderman Michael Henderson MBE, Leisure and Community Development Committee Chairman, siblings Cathy and Aidan O’Connor from Peter's Patch Nursery and After School and Councillor Nicolas Trimble, Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

New Hillsborough play facility opens

Lidl is opening its first in-store pub - here's what to expect

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and in celebration, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced the return of the Hillsborough Christmas Market after its great success in 2018. The market will set up along the historic Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort and will offer visitors a host of festive foods, gift ideas, activities and entertainment. Pictured at the launch of the Hillsborough Christmas Market are (l-r) Nicola Bell of Nicola Bell Floral Arrangements, Sinead McAtamney of Ellie Mac Candles, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Councils Development Committee, Rosie McNeill of Rosie McNeill Cakes, Shane Donaldson and Hannah Woodside of Spontaneous Deuce.

Festive food, drink and crafts return to Hillsborough again

Pictured at the launch of the first Halloween Harvest Market is Paul Hamilton, Cherry Valley Farm, Stuart Cordner, Cordners Spar, Chairman of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE and Rosie McNeill, Rosies Cakes

LCCC to hold Dundonald’s very first Halloween Harvest Market

Autumn ‘Craft In The City’ returns to Lisburn

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will host its first Hillsborough Farmers Market of the summer this Saturday, May 25 from 10am-3pm on Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, with the very best local, seasonal, artisan food on offer as well as a fabulous horticultural offering. The popular artisan street food and picnic area will also return enhanced by music from local artists. Pictured at the launch of this years series of markets is (left to right) Lee White, Cottage Garden Plants, Isaac Barr, The Parsons Nose, The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Uel Mackin and Zara Greer, Barn & Bread.

Hillsborough Farmers’ Market returns, offering four markets during summer months

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will host its second Hillsborough Farmers Market of the summer on Saturday 30th June with the very best local, seasonal and artisan food on offer to taste and purchase. In addition, expect to find a small offering of locally produced herbaceous perennial plants, natural skincare, art and craft. Pictured at Mays Farmers Market are local artisan producers (l-r) Louise Dornan, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Councillor Andrew Ewing and Valerie Brown, Plumpy Balms.

The best on offer at Hillsborough Farmers Market

Left to right: Jacqueline Gibson, Castlescreen Farm, Carole Kearney, Armstrongs Twisted Fish, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chairman of the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councils Development Committee, Lee White, Cottage Garden Plants and Damien Tumelty, Castlescreen Farm team up to launch 2018s Hillsborough Farmers Markets. Scheduled to take place from 10am-3pm on the last Saturday of May, June and July, this years markets will offer a wealthy crop of local, fresh and seasonal produce, artisan foods and a specialised horticulture offering with over 35 local farmers and artisan producers taking part over the summer. For more information visit www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com

Hillsborough Farmers' Market showcases award-winning NI producers in summer 2018...

Alderman Deborah Girvan (centre) receives the award for 'Best Initiative by a Councillor' at the Northern Ireland Local Government Awards 2017. Also pictured are members of the CFM committee, Ards and North Down councillors and TV presenter Sarah Travers.

Award for Comber Farmers' Market

Chef Derek Patterson from The Plough Group, Moira, Hillsborough and Annahilt; Chef Stephen Jeffers, Forestside Cookery School, Castlereagh; Kellie McIlroy, The Speckled Hen, Hillsborough and Joe Webb, Pretty Marys, Moira team up with Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Development Committee, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, to launch Lisburn & Castlereaghs Treat Week, which will take place 29th October to 5th November 2016 in venues across Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Seven days of foodie celebrations announced across Lisburn & Castlereagh City Co...

Erin Burgess, Grain and Co, Councillor Brian Bloomfield, Mayor, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and Rosalind Bloomfield, Mayoress

Foodies descend on Moira Demesne for second Speciality Food Fair

Moira-based Great British Menu Chef Chris McGowan, Wine & Brine, serves up a local picnic to Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairperson for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Development Committee and Event Organiser Joanne McErlain, Babble, including charcuterie and cheeses available at the upcoming Speciality Food Fair Moira, Saturday 20th August at Moira Demesne. Organised by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, this years fair will see over 40 small-batch artisan producers from as close as Moira and as far as Derry gather for an afternoon of kitchen sessions led by esteemed local chefs, opportunities for customers to interact with and purchase directly from artisan producers, and outdoor areas to enjoy the best of Northern Irelands local produce and artisan goods al fresco. For more information on the many local producers confirmed for this years fair visit http://www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/.

A foodie feast for all - 2016 Speciality Food Fair

Donkey owner convicted at Lisburn court on animal welfare charges

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