The Council has agreed to provide financial assistance of £17,400, along with in kind support, to event organisers Castle Mall and The Junction.
The feast of family fun, which aims to celebrate the best of local produce, will run from Friday July 1 – Sunday July 3 at the Junction, Market Square, Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Lough Shore Park.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Stephen Ross said
“I am delighted that the NI Food and Craft Festival is set to return to Antrim following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which attracted over 35,000 visitors and saw £523,000 in direct visitor spend at festival venues.
“Foodie fans can look forward to a jam-packed programme of events across the four main locations, showcasing a mouth-watering range of local food and drinks, as well as arts and crafts markets and entertainment for all the family.
“With spacious and picturesque settings such as Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Shore Park, Antrim is the perfect venue to host these festivities. This is a great opportunity for traders and local businesses, such as restaurants, bars and retailers, to work together and create an unmissable event.
“I would like to send my best wishes to the organisers for another successful festival and I look forward to welcoming visitors to our borough this summer.”
For more info visit www.nifoodandcraftfestival.com