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'FORGOTTEN' part of Belfast will soon be transformed into a vibrant trading hub when the long-awaited 'Folk-town Market' unveils its first artisan stalls in April.
Run by local community development group Folktown CIC (Community Interest Company), the outdoor market will be located in the refurbished Bank Square area and feature 35-plus stallholders selling a range of high quality, home-grown foods and crafts.
Folktown CIC director Sophie Rasmussen said the market would be the first to move into the area following a successful challenge to the 400 year-old Belfast Charter which gave Belfast City Council exclusive market rights in the city.
The charter was granted in 1613 to Lord Chichester by James I and marked the start of the Belfast Corporation, which later became Belfast City Council.
Speaking to the Irish News, Sophie said the right for independent markets to open and run alongside council-run Smithfield and St George's enterprises was a "historic" decision and a 'first' for the city centre.
"We will be the first independent market to operate weekly in this area and it follows a five-year campaign challenging council policy," she said.
"It is a great victory for free trade and also for consumers and will act as a catalyst for regeneration and economic growth in Belfast."
The first market will run on Thursday April 16, and to celebrate the launch, Bank Square will take a stylish step back in time, with a period drama being staged amid the buying and selling.
"We wanted to do something to mark the occasion, so we are organising a period drama to add to the atmosphere," Sophie added. "Performers won't be part of the action every week, but occasionally there will be craft and food demonstrations.
"We want it to be a vibrant and colourful market, with the emphasis on locally produced, high quality food. Our aim is to connect the consumer with the producer and cut out the 'middle-man'.
"Good nutritious food is for everybody and our focus will be on quality at a fair price. We want to see this unique and historic part of Belfast come alive for the benefit of all citizens of Belfast."
Situated in the shadow of the two of the oldest churches in Belfast, Berry Street Presbyterian Church and St Mary's Chapel, the Folktown initiative will prioritise organically grown produce, as well as Fairtrade products and will run from 11am until eight o'clock each Thursday.
It has been given an initial boost with start-up grants totalling £12,000 through the Big Lottery 'Awards for All' scheme and the Ireland Fund.