Bowling club relaunches local markets in the CBD

LISMORE City Bowling Club has relaunched its monthly markets, drawing big crowds to support stallholders from across the region.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin cut the ribbon as the community flocked to the greens to enjoy food, live music and entertainment.

The event aims to fill the gap left by the car boot markets, which have not operated in the Lismore Square Shopping Centre car park since 2022.

“Many people have told me how much they miss the car boot market, and it is great to see this community initiative take off,” Saffin said.

“The bowling club already has its jazz afternoons on the first Sunday of the month, and now the markets on the third Sunday, and they can go ahead even if it rains.”

Club manager Sharon Pepper said she and a colleague had the idea of starting up a market.

It began with about 25 stalls three months ago and has since grown into a regular event.

Stalls now include coffee, garden features, honey and produce, clothing and natural cleaning products, alongside local music.

Sunday’s event drew its biggest crowd yet, with a record 45 stallholders.

The Historical Society and Resilient Lismore also took part, with volunteers from the bowling club running the barbecue and helping in other roles.

The markets are held on a designated green to avoid damage or disruption to lawn bowlers.

The next event will be held on Sunday, September 21.