The Junction and Castle Mall shopping outlets are to join forces to host a three-day Antrim Food Festival this summer.
The outdoor market event will take place at Market Square in Antrim town centre, The Junction and Antrim Castle Garden, from July 16 until 18.
The festival will have a multi-cultural theme and a local historian will be providing tailored walking tours.
A shuttle bus service will be organised to transport people around the event locations.
It is hoped that the food festival will attract additional footfall to Antrim town centre for a memorable weekend. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has agreed to support the event to the tune of £12,500.
The local authority has approved the use of both Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park as additional host venues.
Speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council earlier this week, Mayor Councillor Jim Montgomery said: “It is good to see Antrim Castle Mall and The Junction coming together on this event.”
Party colleague Antrim Ulster Unionist Councillor Leah Smyth added: “I would support anything to encourage footfall through the shops. I am happy to be able to back a scheme that will support local businesess.”
