Chamber hope to build on Mullingar Christmas Markets for future

Mullingar Chamber says public support for the festive markets will be crucial for its future success. The Christmas Markets, on Saturday and Sunday on Mount Street, were part of WinterFest, a Mullingar Chamber event that works with groups like the Mullingar Enhancement Group and includes the ice rink.

The market had stalls from the Taste of Westmeath group, music, and family entertainment.

“I think the traders were happy with how it went,” James Bourke, president of Mullingar Chamber, said. “They sold a lot of their wares and we were delighted it was all local traders. Everyone there is based in County Westmeath, so we’re happy with that.”

There was criticism levelled at the markets in online discussions, some focusing on the layout of the market: “There’s a number of challenges with running a market in Mullingar. The main thing is location. We want it in the town centre, but we can’t close off the main arteries, so we’re limited on space. Previously it was run in different places, like the Town Park.

“The problem with the Town Park is that at this time of year, you’re going to completely destroy the grass. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of discussion, and take on board the feedback that people give us and see how we can improve this,” James said.

He hopes the public will engage with Mullingar Chamber to identify how best to progress with future events. He said community involvement, particularly people willing to give up their time, is important for making such events a success: “There’s plenty of voluntary groups in the same boat. The St Patrick’s Day committee, and that is coming up again shortly, are always looking for extra volunteers.

“I don’t think anyone involved in any group is not looking for feedback. We all love feedback, but it’s just that it’s made in the right way, where people come and reach out to you.”

The chamber will continue to work on events like the market despite the online dissent: “The traders located in the middle of the town had a successful day. We in the chamber are here to serve them, and the people of this great town. They are the ones paying the rates all year round and it was great to see them get a spinoff from the market.”

He hopes that anyone with suggestions on how to build on this year’s market will get involved next year. James concluded by saying there’s plenty of more on the cards before the new year: “WinterFest is a brand. We still have ice skating in Mullingar, that’s something that is the envy of other towns around, and it’s there till the end of January.”