Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is urging residents to make the most of the festive season by embracing the unique charm and community spirit of their local town centres. The Council’s ongoing Embrace Your Town campaign, funded by the Department for Communities, launched earlier this year and highlights the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly during the critical Christmas shopping season.
From Antrim and Randalstown to Ballyclare, Crumlin, and Glengormley, each of the Borough’s five town centres offers a distinctive mix of local businesses, festive activities and a warm sense of community. Shoppers are encouraged to explore what their high streets have to offer, to give back to the local economy.
Christmas is a vital time for small businesses, and shopping locally not only helps sustain these businesses but also ensures money is reinvested back into the communities of Antrim and Newtownabbey. With the cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households, every purchase made locally helps support jobs, sustain livelihoods of our neighbours and keeps the Borough’s town centres busy and vibrant.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, emphasised the significance of this initiative:
“Christmas is a key time to support our local economy, and shopping locally is an impactful way to do so. Each of our towns; Antrim, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Randalstown and Glengormley offers a distinct mix of businesses, from specialty retailers to family-run cafés and restaurants, providing high-quality products and services to our Borough. Choosing to shop locally this Christmas not only ensures a unique and meaningful shopping experience but also strengthens our community by supporting local jobs and businesses."
The Embrace Your Town campaign, first introduced in April 2024, was designed to reconnect residents with their local town centres. By showcasing the unique offerings and community spirit of the Borough’s high streets, the initiative has encouraged both residents and visitors to rediscover what makes the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough so special.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” the Mayor added. “By supporting them, we’re not just helping them survive but enabling them to grow, innovate and continue to enrich our communities. This Christmas, let’s all do our part to embrace our towns and ensure they remain vibrant places to live, work and visit.”
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, commented;
“I am delighted that my Department is supporting Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Embrace Your Town campaign. When you choose to shop in our local businesses you are also investing in your community. This initiative will help showcase Antrim and Newtownabbey’s high streets and urban centres during the busy Christmas trading period, contributing to the long-term viability and prosperity of our town and city centres.”
To enhance the festive season, each town will host a series of Christmas events and activities. There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holidays with family and friends while enjoying the unique offerings of each high street in the local area.
Residents are encouraged to share their local shopping experiences on social media using the hashtag #EmbraceYourTown. By sharing photos, tagging businesses and highlighting favourite finds, shoppers can spread the word and inspire others to shop local this Christmas in the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough.
This Christmas, the Council invites everyone to be part of something bigger- supporting local businesses, strengthening community ties and embracing the true spirit of the season.
So, stay local, Embrace Your Town and make this Christmas in Antrim & Newtownabbey truly memorable.
For more information about the Embrace Your Town campaign, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/embraceyourtown