Armagh’s Georgian Festival is set to return this Christmas

The festival kicks off next week

Armagh City will come alive this November with costumed characters, festive markets, and a dazzling light show.

Kicking off next Thursday, November 27 until Sunday, November 30, with visitors gaining the chance to step back 250 years and experience Christmas as it might have been in Archbishop Richard Robinson’s Georgian era.

Over the course of the festival, Armagh will celebrate its rich Georgian heritage with immersive history, live performances, artisan markets, music, family entertainment, and atmospheric light shows across some of the city’s most iconic Georgian sites.

Shelia Rooney, one of the festival’s living history characters, explained that unlike your usual Christmas markets and fairs, this festival puts history centre stage.

“Playing a Georgian character might seem like a peculiar job, but it’s endlessly fun. I’ve been bringing Georgian characters to life in Armagh for over two decades, and every year still feels magical.

"The Georgian Festival invites visitors to step directly into the world of 18th century Armagh - a city transformed into one of culture, learning, and architectural beauty," she said.

Ms Rooney added: "From the elegant Mall to the Observatory and the stunning Robinson Library, you can see how Georgian ideals shaped our streets and our stories.

"Experiencing the festival is more than seeing history - its stepping into it, meeting its characters, exploring its fashions, and discovering the eccentricities of the people who built this city."

Additionally, this year's festival will welcome the Northern Ireland Opera who will present a Georgian-themed performance in the intimate Primate’s Chapel.

Food lovers can enjoy the new Georgian Gourmet Food Tour, a multi-sensory journey through the refined tastes of the era.

Furthermore, Saturday, November 29 marks Georgian Day, a true highlight of the weekend.

Another bonus this year is that the celebrations extend into Sunday, giving visitors even more time to soak up the Georgian charm.

Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, commented, “Returning each year, the Georgian Festival feels like welcoming old friends back into the city.

"The festival not only highlights our vibrant food producers and creative talent - from living history performers to skilled artisans - but also plays a vital role in supporting the local economy and community wellbeing."

With over 200 artisan stalls, street musicians, costumed characters, chestnut sellers, and children’s entertainment, the festival is not to be missed.

For full programme details and booking information, visit the festival's website.