Crowds to brave cold for festive market

THOUSANDS of people are expected to cast aside the arctic blues and head into Cork city this weekend to savour the Christmas atmosphere, especially on the Grand Parade.

The street will feature the biggest Christmas market ever seen in Cork, with more than 50 stalls.

Food and craft lovers will be in for a real treat as the stalls feature an international flavour.

Some of the producers come from as far away as Poland, Tunisia, Morocco, France, Japan, the Caribbean, Israel and Australia.

The market will be open from 10am to 8pm today and tomorrow.

Bishop Lucey Park is also likely to prove a big attraction, where three friendly ‘Rockin’ Robins’ will be on hand to welcome visitors into the park, which has been turned into a winter wonderland. Children can leave their letters and notes for Santa in special robin nests within the park, while music, mistletoe, bubbles and snow will fill the air, further creating the magic and high spirits of Christmas for everyone to enjoy.

Small children wishing to meet Santa can meanwhile drop into his secret village at the former Beamish & Crawford brewery.

The village features snow-covered trees, stunning lighting and all the magical elements that make for an unique Christmas experience.

A beautifully-lit walkway will guide visitors past elves working in their snowy houses, getting all the toys ready for Santa for Christmas night.

The secret village is open each day from noon to 8pm.

Picture: Looking out on Santa’s Secret Village at the former Beamish & Crawford site, which features in A Cork Christmas Celebration on the Grand Parade. Picture: Denis Minihane