Pat Dyer, Chair of St George’s Market Traders and Lord Mayor Arder Carson celebrate 120 years of trading by extending Friday market opening hours until 3pm in response to customer demand. They’re inviting people to join in the celebrations on Friday, 3 June from 9am-3pm.

St George’s Market, one of Belfast’s most loved and historic visitor attractions, recently celebrated 120 years of trading on in June.

To coincide, Friday, 3 June was also the first day of St George’s Market’s extended trading until 3pm, which has been introduced in response to customer demand. St George’s Market will now be open for business every Friday from 6am until 3pm.

Lord Mayor Councillor Arder Carson commented: “This is a really special time for St George’s and we want to invite as many people as possible to come and help us celebrate this much loved Belfast landmark next Friday.

“As well as being a thriving market, and a fantastic spot for meeting, socializing and being entertained, St George’s is a focal point for enterprise and for our community. The history of this place is amazing. A number of market traders are second, third and fourth generation. Indeed, one of our fruit and veg traders, Jim Murdoch’s grandfather, James Megaghan, helped to ensure that the market was built. Jim himself has been working at St George’s for an incredible 60 years – and he still loves it!”

St George’s was named the UK's Best Large Indoor Market 2014 by the National Association of British Market Authorities, beating off stiff competition from internationally renowned markets like Spitalfields, Billingsgate and Borough. It was also voted the nation’s favourite Heritage project in the 2014 National Lottery Awards.

For further information on market opening times, traders and special events, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets