“All we want for Christmas is a Childcare Strategy… but while we wait, why not offer our local community an Affordable Festive Family Day?”
Melted Parents, a grassroots group campaigning for affordable childcare, is thrilled to announce their upcoming Christmas Market, which will take place on 1 December 2024 at Banana Block, Belfast. The event is set to be an affordable festive family day out, offering a wide range of activities while raising awareness of the ongoing need for more support for families.
Last year, Melted Parents held a virtual Christmas market on Instagram, which showcased small businesses, primarily run by parents (most of them mothers) who left the workforce due to the crippling costs of childcare. Building on the success of that online event, this year’s market will be live and in-person, bringing the community together for a day of shopping and festive fun.
The Christmas Market is being organised in collaboration with DADBODS, a charity supporting fathers’ mental health and connection with their children, and Babyhub NI, an online support group for families across Northern Ireland and YellowZest, a mum-owned business development agency. All contributors are working on a voluntary basis with the goal of creating an event that will spread holiday cheer whilst also highlighting the urgent need for support for families.
Key Event Features:
- Local Vendors: A variety of stalls featuring products from small, parent-run businesses.
- Workshops for Kids: Interactive, creative workshops to keep children entertained.
- Santa’s Grotto: A chance for children to meet Santa and have their photo taken.
The aim of the market is to be affordable and accessible, particularly for families who are already facing financial strain due to the high cost of raising children and the additional expenses of holiday activities.
“We want to make sure no family is priced out of enjoying the festive season,” says Raissa Balduino, Melted Parents Core Member and Communications and Engagement Lead. “While we continue to campaign for a comprehensive childcare strategy, we’re committed to supporting our community in tangible ways—this Christmas Market being one of them.”
“Our goal is to make this event as affordable and accessible as possible, especially for families already burdened by the high costs of raising children and the increasing expenses of Christmas activities. To achieve this, we are seeking financial support through sponsorship. If an organisation believes they could contribute to making this event a reality, we’d love to discuss partnership opportunities. This support would help cover the costs of Santa hire and workshops, allowing us to offer these experiences to families for free without stretching our already limited resources.”
For more information or to support the event visit meltedparentsni.com/blogs/news-views/melted-parents-christmas-market
