May Day, Holywood – Monday 4 May 2026
This event is open for applications to trade at Tourism Events in Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC) Area 2026.
Event information
County down is a small town boasting the only Maypole in Ireland and has been hosting this family event for over 40 years. May Day in Holywood is a historically well-attended event. An estimated 9000 people attended the event last year. This annual festival in Holywood town centre includes a mix of traditional activities such as fancy-dress competitions, maypole dancing, charity stalls and music.
- Stalls are to be operational from 10am – 4pm, with the load in commencing at 8am. Due to the location of the event, traders cannot be accommodated any earlier.
- Traders must unload their vehicle and then move immediately to the nearest public car park. The car park at Holywood Parish Church, 71 Church Road has been designated for traders’ vehicles only on a first come, first served basis.
- Please note stalls will be positioned on High Street in 2026.
- Gazebo’s are permitted for this event.
Event Aims
- To celebrate the community spirit and authentic heritage of Holywood by delivering a one-day family focussed event
- Attracting visitors to the town for the event from outside of the borough
- Celebration of the maypole
- Community engagement – working in partnership with Holywood District Community Council
What we are looking for
We are looking for traders with produce (food) to take home and street food plus a number of craft stalls.
Priority is given to traders in this order:
1. Holywood traders
2. Members of AND Food Network
3. Traders from Ards and North Down; however, traders from further afield may be considered where the product on offer is not produced locally
We look for creative and aesthetically pleasing stalls which fit in with the aims of the event and are keen for the market to be full of good quality food/products, at a fair price.
If you are interested in applying to trade at this event, please tick the relevant box on the application form.
Apply now - Download application form – closing date Friday 13 March.
