What’s On: A Dublin vintage fair not to be missed, a Christmas jumper contest and ‘Taste’ is back

Yes, it may be Black Friday but we’re bucking the trend with our activities this weekend and heading to vintage fairs galore, with a dash of a Christmas jumper competition moving away from fast fashion. And to top it off? Some of the best foodie options in Dublin. Happy weekend from IMAGE!

Friday: Fashionably Upending Black Friday

If you have Black Friday fatigue (in fairness, it’s been going all week, so it’s understandable), turn towards supporting local with this great idea from Olannmor. Taking place all day today until 5 pm at the Well at Stephen’s Green, there will be gifts, jewellery, prints, kidswear, and so much more from some of Ireland’s best independent sellers. Drop in and spend your money in a far more ethical environment than the Black Friday high street.

Saturday: Fairyhouse Christmas Jumper Competition

Saturday sees Ireland’s first Christmas jumper competition, with a focus on sustainable fashion, of the festive season. Fairyhouse Racecourse, in Co. Meath, is expecting hundreds of racegoers to swap winter tweeds for festive colour on the first day of the Winter Festival of racing (Saturday and Sunday), when the traditional best dressed competition is replaced by a contest for Best Christmas Jumper.

The team at Fairyhouse are encouraging participants to avoid falling for fast fashion and instead think sustainably – to get judging bonus points on the day go vintage (they did originate from traditional fisherman jumpers afterall) , invest in a second-hand festive sweater, re-wear a favourite from last year or get creative and decorate your own 100% Irish woollen knit.

The contest will be judged by jockey Rachael Blackmore and the winner will trot away with an impressive prize of  VIP hospitality for two to the opening day of the Fairyhouse 2020 Easter Festival, which will host the 150^th running of the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, with a luxury overnight in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel. For tickets, see fairyhouse.ie

Saturday: My Fair Lady Vintage Fair

Rolling over into tomorrow, if you’re still on the ethical shopping buzz, head to South William Street for the My Fair Lady Vintage Fair. Featuring vintage vendors from all over Ireland, expect plenty of glamorous fashion (that no one else will have), as well as some amazing vintage homewares and antiques. 2Bears, who sell 20th century furniture and modern accessories like the animal vases pictured top (€69), is where we’ll be headed first. It’s on from 10 am til 5:30 pm.

All weekend: Taste of Dublin

What has quickly become the biggest foodie event of the Dublin calendar is back with a winter edition, which has us very excited for Christmas. Taste of Dublin is not only a great excuse to shop around and indulge in some gorgeous food, it’s also a brilliant day out. Cocktail making, cooking masterclasses, and loads of free samples. Sounds perfect to us.

Read more: These vintage sites are providing a way to shop Black Friday sustainably

Read more: Green Friday: 5 Irish designers and retailers offering steep discounts this weekend

Read more: Vintage Christmas jumpers – 18 styles to buy for winter 2019