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A Diverse Community of Market Traders
At NNCG, we provide opportunities for a diverse range of traders, each bringing something unique to our markets.
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Whether you're an artisan maker, a general trader, or specialise in niche products, our markets offer a welcoming space to showcase your business, connect with customers, and grow your brand.
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We work with traders across two key categories.
The trading criteria is designed to create a vibrant, diverse, and safe environment where small, independent retailers can thrive. We encourage you to read the categories to understand what we are looking for for each type of market.
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Traders must be over 18years old
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Traders' businesses and products must comply with all applicable legal requirements.
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Traders businesses must be based and located in Northern Ireland
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Traders should hold valid public liability insurance. (minimum £5million)
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If selling food, traders must be registered with their local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) department and hold a 3-star rating or above.
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Traders businesses must be independent and you must be the owner or direct employees of the business.
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Traders must provide proof of identity and address.
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Traders must agree to meet market policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
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Traders' products should fit into one of the categories listed below, see the traders handbook for finer details on each trading category.
Trader Categories
Artisan
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Makers of their products – Handmade, locally produced, and crafted with skill.
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Use locally grown/reared food ingredients where available – Supporting regional suppliers and sustainability.
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Unique, high-quality goods – Including farm produce, food, jewellery, art, home fragrances, and crafts.
General
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Do not need to be the makers of the products they sell – May sell new, vintage, pre-loved, or sourced products.
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Broad product range – Includes homewares, clothing, plants, collectables, crafts, food, services, personalised items and other everyday essentials not commonly found on the high street.
Types of Markets
Artisan
Markets
Suitable for Artisan Traders
Focused on showcasing high-quality, handcrafted, and locally made products, these markets highlight the work of skilled artisans, including craft makers, artists, farmers and food producers.
Where available, artisan food producers are expected to use Northern Ireland produce as ingredients, reinforcing a commitment to local sourcing and sustainability.
These markets celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and the unique stories behind each product.
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Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market
- Marine Hotel Artisan Market
- Coleraine Rugby Club Artisan Market
- Cushendall Artisan Market
- Cusendun Big Arts Weekend Artisan Market
- Benone Complex Artisan Market
- NNCG at the Old Lammas Fair
- Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival Artisan Market
- Rathlin Sound Festival Artisan Market
- Flowerfield Art Centre Christmas Craft Launch Artisan Market
General
Markets
Suitable for General and Artisan Traders
Offering a wide variety of goods, including farm produce, food, vintage, pre-loved, collectables, antiques, art & craft items, personalised, and general retail products.
These markets create an affordable accessible trading environment and are suitable for all traders.
General Markets welcome both artisan and general traders.
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Ballymoney Country Market
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Ballymoney Spring Fair
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Tulip Festival Glenarm Castle
Speciality Markets
Speciality Markets – These markets feature a curated selection of artisan and general traders, offering a carefully chosen mix of high-quality, niche, and specialist products.
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​The focus is on products that align with the values of our markets, including those sourced from ethical, sustainable, or specialist suppliers.
Speciality markets may include unique or hard-to-find goods, creating a distinctive shopping experience for visitors.
These markets may also be themed, offering a tailored selection of products that reflect a specific focus.
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Roe Valley Speciality Market
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Brook Hall Estate and Garden Open Farm Weekend Speciality Market
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NNCG at the Old Lammas Fair
Prohibited Goods & Products
To maintain a unique and positive market experience while supporting small, independent businesses, we do not allow the sale of branded items from large corporations commonly found on the high street,
MLM products, or poor-quality goods.
Our policy ensures markets remain distinct from high street retail and uphold quality, credibility, and compliance with regulatory standards.
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This list is non-exhaustive, and the organisers’ decision on any dispute is final.
Illegal and Dangerous Items
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Illegal Products – Drugs, controlled substances, stolen items, or any goods prohibited by law.
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Firearms & Weapons – Guns, knives (excluding kitchen/craft knives), explosives, fireworks, or similar items.
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Dangerous Goods – Flammable materials, toxic substances, or other hazardous items.
Ethical and Social Considerations
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Hate Items – Materials promoting discrimination, violence, or hatred based on race, gender, religion, or other protected categories. This includes paramilitary-related items or any materials containing sectarian, racist, homophobic, or otherwise hateful content.
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Violent Items – Products that glorify, promote, or support violence.
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Endangered Species & Products – Items made from or contributing to the endangerment of animals/plants (e.g., ivory, exotic skins).
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Fur & Controversial Animal Products – Real fur or other contentious animal-derived products.
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Branded Items from Large Corporations and those items commonly found on the highstreet – To prevent competition with high street retailers, these are not permitted.
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Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Products – Businesses operating under MLM schemes or selling MLM products are not allowed.
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Medical Claims – Products making unproven medical claims without clinical evidence.
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Unqualified Services – Individuals presenting themselves as consultants or experts must provide certification/credentials.
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Neutral & Inclusive Trading Environment – Our markets are welcoming to all and operate in a way that respects diverse views. While traders are welcome to sell religious themed items. To ensure an inclusive space for traders and visitors, markets cannot be used for proselytising, evangelising, or political campaigning.
Businesses & Products Must Adhere to Consumer Protection Laws
Traders are responsible for ensuring that all their products comply with current legislation. Organisers may request documentary evidence of compliance at any time.
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Relevant Legislation (Not Exhaustive):
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Consumer Protection Legislation
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Fair Trading, Trade Descriptions & Trading Standards
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Consumer Rights Act 2015
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Food Safety Regulations (where applicable)
Content & Intellectual Property
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Adult Content – Pornographic or sexually explicit materials.
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Counterfeit & Pirated Goods – Fake or illegally copied branded items, software, movies, or music.
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Intellectual Property Violations – Products infringing on copyrights, trademarks, or patents.
Compliance with Safety & Health Standards
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Non-Compliant Toys – Toys must have CE (Conformité Européenne) marking.
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Uncertified Cosmetics – All cosmetic products must comply with the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004 and be properly labelled/tested.
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Non-Compliant Candles – Must meet Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulations.
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Non-Compliant Food Products – All food items must adhere to health and safety regulations, including proper hygiene, labelling, and expiry date compliance.
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Non-Compliant Textiles – Clothing and textiles must comply with fire safety certification and chemical regulations.
Compliance with Safety & Health Standards
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Non-Compliant Toys – Toys must have CE (Conformité Européenne) marking.
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Uncertified Cosmetics – All cosmetic products must comply with the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2004 and be properly labelled/tested.
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Non-Compliant Candles – Must meet Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulations.
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Non-Compliant Food Products – All food items must adhere to health and safety regulations, including proper hygiene, labelling, and expiry date compliance.
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Non-Compliant Textiles – Clothing and textiles must comply with fire safety certification and chemical regulations.
Other Prohibited Items
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Political Flags and amblems – To maintain a neutral environment, political flags, or any products featuring national or political flags (e.g., hats, clothing, or accessories with Union Jack or Tricolour designs) are not permitted.
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BB Guns & Toy Guns – The sale of BB guns, toy guns, or any replica firearms is not allowed.
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Live Animal Sales – The sale of live animals is not permitted.
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Lottery Tickets & Gambling – Unless specifically regulated and pre-approved.
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Unlicensed Goods – The sale of unlicensed, counterfeit, or non-genuine branded goods, including items that infringe trademarks or copyrights, is not permitted.
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Items Encouraging Illegal Activities – Such as lock-picking tools or drug paraphernalia.
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Poor-Quality Items – No bric-a-brac, low-quality, or mass-produced poor-standard goods.
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Unsuitable Items – Commercial tools and industrial hardware are not allowed.
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Tobacco & Alcohol – Without the correct licensing, these should be strictly prohibited.
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Unregulated CBD & Cannabis-Derived Products – Must comply with legal standards, including THC content.
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CBD products marketed for animal use are strictly prohibited, as no CBD pet products are currently authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Selling these items is illegal under veterinary medicine regulations
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Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medications – Only licensed pharmacies can sell these.
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Balloons (including helium-filled balloons) are not permitted due to environmental concerns, as they contribute to plastic waste and pose a risk to wildlife.
This list is not exhaustive, and the organisers reserve the right to amend or expand it as needed. Additional restrictions may apply on a market-to-market basis, depending on the nature of the event, venue policies, legal standards, or evolving ethical and environmental considerations. All traders must ensure their products comply with relevant UK and Ireland laws, safety regulations, and market guidelines. The organisers retain the right to refuse the sale of any items at any time.