Night markets to grow after debut

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG’S new night market is set to expand after thousands of patrons flocked to its opening night in Johnstone Park last Friday.
Organisers estimated up to 5000 people attended.
The market featured wineries, food, arts and live entertainment.
Central Geelong Marketing executive officer Emma Clark said stalls could double to cover a larger area of the park during the next season of markets.
Ms Clark said the remaining markets on Friday nights this month would stay the same size due to an arrangement with operator Queen Victoria Markets.
Mrs Clark said the markets schedule could also increase from four to possibly eight for next December and January.
“We’re certainly looking at trying to get some new stalls in but at such short notice it can be quite difficult to have more,” she said.
“Queen Victoria Markets wanted stallholders to commit to all the Geelong markets and there’s still three of them to go.
“It’s certainly something we’re looking at long-term to come, so hopefully we can run these bigger in 2010.”
Queen Victoria Markets approached Central Geelong Marketing and City Hall with a proposal 12 months ago.
The City initially waived site rental fees and supplied $1800 toward entertainment and “marketing support”.
Mrs Clark said time was “the issue” preventing expansion of this month’s remaining markets.
About half the stallholders were from Melbourne.
“They (Queen Victoria Markets) have been sourcing Geelong stallholders, so they’re not all from Melbourne,” she said.
“There’s a mix – I’m not sure of the numbers but maybe close to 50/50. When we agreed to it we said they need to try Geelong stallholders first and then they have topped up with Melbourne stallholders.”
Ms Clark said Queen Victoria Markets also sourced local electricians and suppliers.
Johnstone Park was an ideal setting for the markets, she said.
“I think Johnstone Park was chosen because it is a park and doesn’t involve road closures.”