By Mikayla van Loon
Cire Services’ annual Christmas Twilight Market went bigger and better this year, with extra stalls, food trucks and activities for children, making it the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
One of the organisers Mandy Stokes said having been so successful last year, the event was able to bring in 150 stalls and food trucks to provide many more options and variety for the community on Friday 2 December.
“We’re starting to get that momentum where people now know the Cire market and they want to book in. Our wait list is longer this year than it has ever been before. We’ve also got a lot more variety because there have been so many people who are now either working from home or starting their businesses,” she said.
“A lot of people tried their hand at different arts and crafts and now they’re able to make a living out of it which is really great because most of these businesses are local businesses, which is really awesome that we’re supporting the community, they’re supporting us.”
Having received community feedback after last year’s event, Mandy said Cire made an effort to have more male inclusive gifts on offer, as well as catering more to dietary requirements with the food available.
It was also the first year children could post a letter to Santa, with the option of Santa replying before Christmas.
Making sure there were both free and paid activities, as well as different price points for food and gifts, Mandy said was important as more people seem to be struggling.
“People are struggling a little bit more than they have in the past and having those free activities makes it much more of an affordable family experience.”
As one of Cire’s biggest fundraising events, all the money will be put into hosting the organisations programs.
