Night Markets deliver new flavours for summer season

According to co-ordinator Katrina Lombardo, this year’s market stalls are offering even more internationally-inspired meals with a wider variety to celebrate the melting pot of cultures in the South West.

“I think it’s really important that we celebrate our incredibly diverse cultural mix in this part of the world, and what better way to do that than with delicious food and music in a really family-friendly, celebratory style,” she said.

While many of the market’s popular food trucks and stalls will return, the growing popularity of the event and a desire to increase the range of foods offered has led to a roster of providers appearing on alternate months, some even mixing up their food offerings with each appearance. 

“For example, Claudio won’t be there this week but will return at future markets, sometimes with gelato, sometimes with his beautiful Italian meals, sometimes both,” explained Ms Lombardo. 

“We’re very grateful to the vendors who have supported this different approach – while we’d love to be able to offer absolutely everything each month we are striving to give a really eclectic and ever-changing menu at each market.”

New additions this year include Mexican street food, fresh Vietnamese offerings and a perennial favourite in The Larder’s paella. 

“We want to be giving locals the chance to try some new flavours and to give some new vendors the opportunity to show what they are creating, and these night markets are just the best environment to do that.” 

Ms Lombardo said the community had embraced the market evenings, keen to soak up the in-town summer atmosphere. 

“The family vibe is amazing, there are people of absolutely every age and all walks of life, listening to the live music, kids playing on the play equipment, people lounging on the grass and taking some time to walk through town.

“We aim to keep everything free at the markets aside from the food, so we are adding some ping pong tables this year which will be free to play and of course we have fantastic live music each market night.”

Positive feedback from locals and visitors  kept Ms Lombardo and her team going through the ups and downs of coordinating such an event. 

“I spoke to someone who had no idea I was involved who said ‘I just came from this night market in town and it was the best market I’ve ever seen in my life’, which is just unbelievably good feedback to hear.”

The first Night Market is on this Friday November 30 at Memorial Park from 5.30pm.

For more info, future dates and announcements, visit www.facebook.com/margaretrivernightmarket