New market to bring European style

WHEN growing up in Belgium, Leo and Theo Design founder Catherine Plank said she was enthralled every year by the country’s Christmas markets and their focus on local makers.

Next weekend, she’s aiming to bring the European market style to Ballarat with an event at Botanica in Delacombe.

Collaborating with eight other businesses, she said the event won’t be like a typical Christmas market.

“We’re coming together to create different things than a usual market,” she said.

“For example, we’ll have a stall run by Captured by Edie which she’ll use to take family photos. We’ll also decorate the space with Christmas balloon trees and decorations from Balloon Hype

“It’ll be a cozy, entertaining space.”

Local makers Made by Mill, Felt in Bloom, Nicola Cerini, Majin That!, Little Wolly Hare, and Botanical Eyes will also have stalls in the free event.

Live music will be provided via two violinists and a cellist, while gift wrappers will be present to help prepare purchases for Christmas.

Ms Plank said there’ll be an all-local focus to the market.

“My aim is to keep it local and support small businesses and give people the opportunity to showcase themselves more,” she said.

“We’ve already had more people asking for a stall and we’re hoping if it’s successful we can look at doing it annually.”

The Christmas market will run from 9am to 2pm on Sunday 10 December.

The event will be located around the corner from The Green House nursery and cafe at Botanica at unit 2/20 Elizabeth Street.