Charlie House mascot, Charlie Dog, is ready to welcome thousands of visitors to Curated In The Quad. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
More than 70 unique north-east traders and creatives will bring their glittering talents to this year’s Curated In The Square festive market, organisers revealed today.
The impressive line-up follows an overwhelming response from businesses wanting to be part of the unique event, which will see Marischal Square become a twinkling winter wonderland in the six weekends leading up to Christmas, plus three bonus days in the week leading up to December 25.
Curated In The Square will be a dazzling mix of food, drink, arts, crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery showcasing the cream of the north-east traders, said Charlie House, which stages the market with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s.
The 70 plus traders will be spread across the seven weeks creating an excellent variety and shopping experience, with 27 twinking wooden chalets creating Curated’s much-loved magical atmosphere.
It will sit at the heart of the glittering Aberdeen Christmas Village which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the city centre over the festive period, from Thursday, November 12, to Sunday, January 3.
This is the second year that the popular festive market will be based in and around Marischal Square.
Curated In The Square is a vital fundraiser for Charlie House, supporting its vital work with babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Last year’s event raised £27,780 for the charity.
Stallholders old and new will bring Christmas magic to Curated In The Square this festive season. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “We are delighted that Curated In The Square is returning this year and we have seen a huge demand for Chalets from traders with a great mix of products going to be on show.
“The market will provide opportunities for local businesses to showcase their unique, handcrafted goods while at the same time raising funds that are crucial in allowing us to provide vital support to families across the North-east of Scotland.”
Curated In The Square will see the return of creatives and traders from previous Christmas markers, such as Shadow Shapes, who create unique gifts from recycled plastic; Little Molly’s Cheesecake, who offer delicious handmade mini treats, and Little Brown Dog Spirits, with a range of drinks.
There will also be several new stallholders making their debut, such as Koijoy Box, with their curated Chinese snack hampers; Mable and Millie, with a delightful range of candles, and Fodderty Woodturning, with handmade wooden kitchen products.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated In The Square is not just a festive treat for the people of Aberdeen, but a showcase for the finest creatives, traders and producers the north-east has to offer.
“It is that emphasis on our home-grown talent that makes Curated unique among festive markets across the country. On offer will be goods, gifts and treats that you will simply be unable to find anywhere else.
“And Curated In The Square is a gift for the whole of the city centre, attracting thousands of people who will go on to enjoy all the other shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and myriad other attractions in the city centre. That increased footfall – and the spending it brings – is a major boost for our local economy.”
Aberdeen Christmas Village will be a twinkling delight, with Curated In The Square at its heart. Image - Codona's
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, said: “Curated In The Square is a wonderful celebration of local creativity, bringing talented makers and producers together in the heart of the city.
“It’s a great opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts, enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local businesses and I am looking forward to seeing all that it has to offer again this year.”
Codona’s director, John Codona, said: “Our whole team are really looking forward to another year at Aberdeen Christmas Village.
“The Curated In The Square market allows local traders and crafters to thrive in these challenging times and supports the fantastic Charlie House charity.
“This year’s Christmas Village will also include the ice rink , rides for all ages and festive food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. We invite everyone to come along and enjoy the festive fun.”
Discover more about Curated in the Square Market, including the full line-up of stallholders.
Explore Christmas in Aberdeen and discover more festive events and activities taking place across the city centre.