North-east creatives and producers come together for Christmas markets

The markets, which are run in partnership with Look Again, part of Gray’s School of Art at RGU, and Bon Accord, aim to support emerging local enterprises and showcase the creativity and diverse range of produce which is coming out of the region.

The public will have the chance to get their hands on the best local food and drinks when the FINE Christmas Market kicks off the festivities on November 22.

This year’s market will feature a diverse collection of exciting and innovative producers showcasing the very best Aberdeen and the north-east has to offer; from organic growers to distillers, farm shops and craft bakers, specialist tea and coffee merchants, bespoke luxury confectioners, chutneys, seasonal pickles, sauces and oil.

Following on from this, the Etsy Made Local market returns on November 29 – December 2, when local crafters and makers will bring their creative collections to the St Nicholas Mall.

The final market, ‘The Christmas Collective’, will feature food, drinks and crafts and brings together the FINE market vendors, Etsy sellers and local designers from December 6-9.

Sally Reaper, Look Again Director, commented: “RGU and Look Again are committed to supporting the creative industries in the north-east and the Christmas markets really showcase how vibrant the sector is in the region.

“Throughout the course of the three weekends in the run up to Christmas, the public will have the chance to sample and buy some of the amazing, artisan products on offer, as well as checking out the creative collections of the region’s best crafters and makers – perfect for Christmas gift ideas.”

Craig Stevenson, Bon Accord Centre Manager, added: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming the pop up festive markets to the centre in the lead up to Christmas. 

“Following on from the success of the Summer Etsy made local market, we listen to our shoppers who tell us they are looking for something different from their shopping visit.   It is important to us to deliver a diverse shopping experience and support local cultural initiatives and we are delighted to work with partners Look Again and RGU to provide space to showcase the rich and diverse range of local businesses from across the region.”

Susan Yule, co-founder of Hungry Squirrel, a local company which produces a range of vegan nut butters, will be taking part in this year’s market. She commented: “Aberdeen has got a really exciting range of food and drink producers right now and the FINE event allows everyone the opportunity to showcase their produce to the local community in the heart of our city centre. 

“Events like this are a fantastic way for the public to find out what is available in their area whilst supporting small business owners and enabling people to really buy local this Christmas.”

Ian Pithie, Project Manager of FINE, added: “The FINE Christmas Market has become a regular feature in the Food and Drink Events calendar in Aberdeen and the North East. We bring together some of the most exciting food and drink offerings featuring limited and special editions for Christmas. The common denominator with all businesses attending is a passion for their product and a great wish to socialise with the general public. Come SEE, SPEAK and treat yourself to locally made produce in our warm and welcoming shop."