Market to bring Christmas connection

AN end of year market fixture is set to return to the region’s south next week.

This Tuesday evening will see Teesdale’s Turtle Bend Reserve lit up with light and festive energy with the town’s annual Twilight Market and Carols.

The market is coordinated each year by the Teesdale Community Events committee, and president Sophie Graham said it’s about bringing everyone together in time for Christmas.

“It’s a not-for-profit event run for the community and local areas where everything we make goes towards planning the event next year,” she said.

“We like to inspire people to come down, join in and have a great night, and relax after a long and busy year.

“It’s great to reinitiate the community getting together and to help everyone get to know each other and take a breather.”

Entry will cost a gold coin donation, with the event to feature a dozen food trucks, more than 45 mainly local market stalls, and a Christmas raffle with hampers worth $500 each.

From 6pm, attendees will receive a visit from Santa Claus himself courtesy of the local fire brigade.

The Teesdale Community Events group have been operating for more than a decade and over the last few years the market has been supported with $13,800 from Berrybank Wind Farm.

Ms Graham said the carols side of the event will feature a varied set of performers.

“We entertain the kids with The Mik Maks and they’re a really big drawcard to get families and parents down,” she said.

“This year we have a magnificent entourage of 30 choir members being hosted by Peter Harbinson and we’ll have Donna King, a soprano from Melbourne Opera, coming down so it’ll be an hour and a half of Christmas carols.”

With Malcolm Sanders serving as MC, performers from Sing Australia, and Teesdale Primary School will also feature in the event.

The Twilight Market and Carols event will run from 4pm to 8pm.