Thousands gathered for Armagh’s annual Georgian Festival as it celebrated its milestone 20th year, marking the start of Northern Ireland’s festive season.
The festival embraced the city’s rich history and Georgian heritage with a variety of events, performances, and activities, drawing an impressive turnout and making it one of the city’s most successful festivals to date.
The Georgian Weekend has become a beloved tradition, providing a major boost to local businesses. The festival’s artisan market, which took place on Georgian Day Saturday, November 30, featured more than 130 stalls selling high-quality crafts, gifts, food, and seasonal products.
This makes it one of the largest markets on the island, attracting visitors from across Ireland, the UK, and beyond. The bustling marketplace, filled with traditional crafts, offerings from Armagh’s independent retailers and food stalls, was a hit, with live music and performances adding to the lively atmosphere.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon, Cllr Kyle Savage, expressed his pride in the event, saying: “We are thrilled with the incredible success of this year’s Georgian Festival as we celebrated 20 years of what has become a key cornerstone of Armagh’s cultural calendar.
“The impressive range of activities, along with the electric atmosphere it brings to the city, is something we’re all extremely proud of. Through the work of the local Council team, along with our artists, performers, retailers, and artisans, we created once again an event that was able to bring the local community together, whilst also welcoming visitors to enjoy the rich heritage and history of Armagh and its surrounding areas.”
Once again, the festival’s acclaimed “It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas” Light Show, which ran on Friday and Saturday night, was a highlight of the weekend, attracting 16,000 visitors alone across both nights. While historic buildings across Armagh such as the Archbishops Palace opened for guided tours, letting visitors explore the city’s interesting past and learn about important Georgian figures.
Elisabeth Trenkwalder from Austria and Anja Trenkwalder from Luxembourg with Town Crier Arthur Heaney pictured enjoying the fun at Armagh Georgian Festival.
Lord Mayor of Armagh Sarah Duffy and her daughters Emily and Lucia
Jonny and Pamela Chambers with Lettie and Florie
Joanna Mark and Christopher are dazzled by the festive Lightshow
Annette and Tony Murphy pictured enjoying the fun at Armagh Georgian Festival.
Tony and Helen enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Lisa McArdle and Emma Quinn and Calai pictured enjoying the fun at Armagh Georgian Festival.
Erin and Shirlie Murtagh enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Eamon and Deirdre McAtarsney enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Lorna and Jeffrey Lee enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Scott Suzie and Eloise King enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Orla Fields and Cathy McQuade pictured enjoying the fun at Armagh Georgian Festival.
Mark Grimley and Jennifer Cudjoe enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Saorlaith, Ríoghnach, Méabh and Corrina Conlon enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Maria Nesbitt and Jack Atkins enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
RoisÌn and Rose Reid enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
The Murray Boys – Gary and James pictured enjoying the fun with Lizzy and Mrs Smith at Armagh Georgian Festival.
Sean and Aine O’Connor with Town Crier Arthur Heatley enjoying the festive atmosphere at Armagh Georgian Festival
Lord Mayor of Armagh Sarah Duffy and Emily and Lucia are dazzled by the festive Lightshow
Joanna Mark and Christopher are dazzled by the festive Lightshow.
John Harrison and Manoella Mouta pictured enjoying the fun at Armagh Georgian Festival.
