Lord Mayor's Charity Supported at Belfast Christmas Market

This year the Belfast Christmas Market will be taking place from the 19th November to the 22nd December and is expected to attract over 1 million people through the gates. Market Place (operators of the market) are excited to be working closely with the Lord Mayor of Belfast's chosen charity, Pretty n Pink, in order to raise awareness and support for Breast Cancer. 

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black said: “I’m very proud to announce Pretty n Pink as one of my charities for the year, and I’m so pleased that it will be supported by visitors to Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Market, at City Hall. The charity does such amazing work, and over the years has supported so many families who are going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment; so this is a great way for people to give something back and people can be assured their donations are going to a fantastic cause.”

Pretty n Pink is the only registered Breast Cancer Charity in Northern Ireland and is operated by a small team with the help of volunteers from across the province. All money raised by Pretty n Pink stays within Northern Ireland and is used to provide practical help and support to patients with Breast Cancer and their families.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe Ltd said: 

‘Each year we donate Santa’s Grotto to one of the Lord Mayor’s charities as a way for them to increase awareness and raise vital funds. This year we’re delighted to be supporting Pretty n Pink who do such great work in raising awareness of Breast Cancer and who provide essential support to patients and their families. ‘

Over 1,400 people are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Northern Ireland each year and it is currently the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women from Northern Ireland. However, the disease can affect people of any age or gender. Pretty n Pink work tirelessly to provide financial and support services to patients with breast cancer and their families. 

Leanne Rooney, Charity Director of Pretty n Pink said: We are delighted to be back for our 3rd year hosting the Santa’s Grotto at the Belfast Christmas Market as one of the Mayoral charities. Previous years have been a huge success, with over 3,000 children visiting our grotto. This opportunity provides us with a platform to raise awareness of our charity and the services we provide.’

Pretty n Pink will be operating Santa’s Grotto at Belfast Christmas Market, which this year has the theme of a global Christmas, celebrating festive traditions from around the globe.

Santa will be resident in his grotto each day, making his lists and checking them twice. Visitors can meet the big man in red during the following hours

Mon – Wed: 3pm to 6pm

Thurs-Fri: 12pm to 7pm

Sat: 10am to 7pm

Sun: 12pm to 6pm

The cost is £10 per child and £15 for two children, this includes meeting and receiving a wrapped gift from Santa and a photo. Additional photographs can be purchased at £5. All money raised will go directly to the charity. 

To find out more, or to support the Pretty n Pink further, please visit https://prettynpink.org/. 

Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall from 12noon on Saturday 19 November until 6pm on 22 December. 

Opening hours are: 

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm 

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm