By Mikayla van Loon
Cire Services’ biggest ever Christmas Twilight Market didn’t disappoint with hundreds of people turning up to experience the festive spirit and buy local.
With 98 stall holders and food trucks, as well as kids entertainment and the Yarra Valley Singers, there was truly something for everyone.
Many people, both running the stalls and buying from them, had never been to the Twilight Market before but wanted to support a local event.
Frequent market goers Emily, Ben and Adriana liked the idea of shopping for some Christmas gifts while experiencing Cire’s market for the first time.
“We thought it’s a nice way to catch up outside in the nice weather and buy some Chritsmas gifts,” Adriana said.
Ben said it was probably the largest, most local event they had been to since the lockdown ended and it was nice to see so many people there.
As the gates opened from 5pm, crowds appeared from every direction, filling Kimberley Reserve with life again after months of lockdown and restrictions.
For local photographer Kelly Hoinville, her first market experience was a positive one.
“It’s been easy. Everyone’s really friendly, I made a friend next door who helped me set up my marquee,” she said.
Having started her own business selling prints last year, Kelly was excited to get her name out there and introduce her photography work to others, something the Twilight Market allowed her to do.
“There are so many [markets] to choose from but this one was really local and was really affordable, especially for my first go.
“I didn’t know how successful I would be selling things. So it was quite a low entry cost, which was really attractive to someone for their first time. And I’ve been really lucky, it was just very convenient.”
Landscapes are her passion but Kelly has just ventured into wedding and family photography.
As a high school teacher, Kelly said had she not had the extra time during the lockdown last year she probably wouldn’t have started her business even though she has been a hobby photographer for 10 or more years.
“I just love the way that it makes you see the world when you’ve got a camera in your hand. You’re constantly scanning your surroundings for something beautiful or interesting and it just makes you notice things,” she said.
“I guess it’s kind of mindfulness when you’ve got a camera and it just makes you notice and be present with where you are and then also you know when you do family photography, you’re producing memories and keepsakes for a family that will hopefully be a part of their family story for years.”
Yarra Naturals soapmaker Kim Bloomberg has been a regular at many markets throughout the Yarra Ranges but this was also her first time at the Twilight Market.
With her studio just up the road, Kim said she decided to take part in this market because of how local it was and because Christmas is an ideal time for soapmakers.
“This is a big, big time for soapmakers. I make them all myself and then I get to chat with people about soap,” she said.
But perhaps the biggest event of the night was a surprise visit from Santa on the back of the Chirnside Park fire truck.
Children flocked to see the man of the hour and get a small treat to take home.
With the variety of stalls and food trucks, Cire’s first major event since the lockdown ended just a few months ago welcomed the community back in outstanding form.
