Treasures for sale under moonlight veil

Shopping after dark: Rebecca Warr of Bec Warr Art, event coordinator Alexa Smith, and Ballarat Candle Co’s Chloe Goldie are behind the Ballarat Nightlife Market. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS

THE first Friday of July is set to see the launch of a new market aimed at giving everyone something to do once the sun is down.

The first Ballarat Nightlife Market will get underway next month at the Ballarat Function Centre at Morshead Park, showcasing about 35 artisans and more than 20 food vendors.

Coordinator, Alexa Smith, said she hopes to bring something new for the community to do during dusk.

“I like going to markets and we don’t have a night one in Ballarat so there’s kind of a gap in the market,” she said.

“It’s also about supporting small business and bringing a bit of a vibe to Ballarat. I’m not really a morning person so I definitely prefer them.

“There’s night markets in Melbourne and Geelong. I go to Warrnambool every year for Christmas with my family and they have a night market.”

More than 90 people have applied for a stall, with many listed to appear as back-ups in the launch or at a later market.

Items like candles, preserved jams, and decorative pots will be on offer as well as children’s activities like facepainting.

Rebecca Warr will showcase her creative works at the market through her Bec Warr Art business.

Having recently returned to stall holding after a three-year absence, she said she’s excited for what the market will bring to Ballarat during a different time of day.

“I was doing the market at Bridge Mall a few years ago. I tried taking my newborn to it and it didn’t really work out so I took a backseat for a while,” she said.

“The inside aspect of this is something I’m really keen for, having young kids.

“I think the nighttime aspect will bring a whole new perspective on markets too. People have commitments on Saturdays so having this on Friday night is perfect because people are looking for something to do.”

Following its debut, the night market is set to run once during the first half of every month until November and December during which it may run twice a month.

With entry costing a gold coin donation, the first Ballarat Nightlife Market will run on Friday 7 July from 5pm to 9pm.