Ballyhackamore Business Association is getting ready for AutumnFest, Saturday 7 October from 3.00pm – 6.00pm at Ballyhackamore Village Square, located in the centre of the village. It will feature an outdoor artisan market, family fun including the Exploris Aquarium touch tank and with expert advice from a marine biologist.
Visitors can also enjoy music from buskers, goody bags with a range of vouchers for local businesses and free parking from 2.00 pm at Bloomfield School. Plus the opportunity to enjoy the Ballyhack experience from a unique outdoor event space or afternoon snacks in one of the nearby restaurants.
AutumnFest marks the start of Ballyhack Business Association’s plans focusing on refreshing and relaunching a range of initiatives to raise awareness of the ‘Ballyhackamore experience.’ This includes the return, later this year, of the ‘Ballysnackamore Food Tour’ and a new brand called ‘More Ballyhackamore’ which celebrates local businesses and the area as a high quality foodie destination. Plans also include a reusable coffee cup scheme to help support the reduction of landfill waste.
Ballyhack Business Association is supported by “Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations” initiative, led by Belfast City Council and funded through the Department for Communities (DfC) Revitalisation programme.
Doreen McKenzie from Ballyhackamore Business Association said:
“ All of the businesses included in the Ballyhack Business Association are looking forward to welcoming visitors to AutumnFest on Saturday 7 October this Saturday. It’ is very exciting to see our plans to raise awareness of the Ballyhackamore experience begin to come to life, which has been supported by the Belfast City Council and DfC’s Vibrant Business Destinations initiative. There will be lots for all the family and we hope everyone who attends enjoys our new outdoor experience at Ballyhack Village Square.”
Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, added:
“Our Belfast Agenda commits to growing a diverse and inclusive economy, so our Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations pilot scheme is all about promoting economic growth throughout Belfast, by focusing on enhancing infrastructure, marketing, and animation along the city’s arterial routes. This important investment from the Department for Communities is helping to support Belfast start-ups, independent retailers, social enterprises and cultural and voluntary organisations to attract greater footfall and spend. I wish Ballyhack Business Association every success with their AutumnFest and hope everyone has a great time on Saturday!”
For further details visit Ballyhack Business Association on Facebook HERE
About Ballyhackamore Business Association
Ballyhack Business Association was established in 2011 and is one of the longest running in Belfast City. The association currently consists of 25 businesses who aim to promote and develop the interests of all businesses in Ballyhackamore Village through a variety of measures, e.g. through collaborative marketing, promotions and joint advertising, to lobby and work towards creating a vibrant, successful and safe area.
During this time the association has developed a range of pioneering initiatives such as the Ballysnackamore Food Tour, the monthly Artisan Market, The Nearly True Christmas Trail.
