The Scottish Maritime Museum’s Christmas Market will feature an expanded food and drink offering this year thanks to support from Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Fund.
The Christmas Market, which extends over three days for the first time this year, will run from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1.
The Regional Food Fund award of £5,000 will enable the Museum to work with Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That to stage live food demonstrations and a food market on Saturday.
Festivities will take place in the Museum’s stunning Linthouse building and outside Courtyard on Irvine Harbourside and, once again, entry will be free.
The weekend will begin with an evening market from 3pm until 8pm on Friday, November 29. The Saturday and Sunday markets will be open from 11am until 4pm.
As well as the markets and live food demonstrations, visitors can also enjoy meeting Santa and listening to a school choir on Sunday and children’s crafts will be on throughout.
Christopher Woodland, Commercial Manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We are committed to growing the connection and synergy we have created between the Museum and local food and drink producers so we’re thrilled to receive this Scotland Food & Drink Regional Food Fund award.
“Working with Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That, we can create another vibrant showcase for the wonderful food and drink which is such a part of Ayrshire’s unique identity.
“As our markets, and year-round museum events, grow in ambition, we aim to play an increasing role in the local economy and development of the food and drink and tourism sectors.
“We also want our markets to add to the social life of Irvine and the area. For some families and friends, coming along to them may even become a yearly tradition!”
David A Jamieson, Regional Food Group Coordinator, Ayrshire Food an’ a’ That, added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Museum to support their initiative across the community, and beyond.
“The location offers a perfect opportunity to showcase local producers’ skills and products in an engaging and dynamic environment.
“Our live chef demonstrations encourage people to experiment with their own cookery skills and incorporate the excellent range of locally produced food available in the region.”
The Regional Food Fund, managed by Scotland Food & Drink, supports regional growth by backing projects to promote and sell produce from their areas.
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