For some, markets are about commerce and trading goods. For Mark Power, they’re all about romance. “That sense of romance is what we try to deliver,” Power says.
“I think we’re so envious of what we see in the northern hemisphere around their gloriously decadent markets in their winter. And while we don’t get snow, we try to give them a look and a feel to reflect that.” Power is the founder and market co-ordinator of Goodwill Projects, a business that runs weekly markets in 11 locations across the Brisbane region spanning from Redcliffe to Surfers Paradise.
Most of their markets run on Saturday or Sunday mornings, but in winter, they operate a season of night markets. While fresh produce and handmade craft are staples, the emphasis at the night markets is on street food and live music. Goodwill Projects also partners with local breweries and wineries to offer craft beer and European-style gluhwein for some winter-in-Salzburg mood setting.
Power says markets are an alternative to shopping malls in every sense. “We think they’re the most tangible, genuine, transparent way that a community can come together. No matter what your lot in life is, you’ve got to do your groceries each week, and it’s just a really lovely evening out for local families and couples.
” While you’ll have to mark your diary for each one-off annual night market, others occur monthly, weekly or more often. Here’s a comprehensive guide to night markets in the Brisbane region. Nundah.
