Activate Byford chairperson Richard Lane says the community spirit at last week’s Artisans Twilight Christmas Market is exactly what the Town Teams Movement (TTM) is all about.
Mr Lane said Activate Byford was part of the broader TTM initiative, which aimed to promote social inclusion.
Even as Byford developed rapidly, Mr Lane said the community bonds weren’t keeping up.
“In Byford, there’s urban growth and a growth in population, but social inclusion seems to be missing,” he said.
“So, (the market) was an opportunity to, as an association, try and promote that involvement of people.”
Mr Lane said the Twilight Market was one of the main streams of bringing people together.
“It’s an opportunity for local groups and entrepreneurs engaged in art and craft to showcase their work but also to sell various things.”
He said about 900 people attended last Friday’s event, filling the venue with the hum of conversation, music and festive shopping.
He said he was grateful for the library’s support in keeping its doors open throughout the evening.
“They showed what services they provided but also, for us, they had extra children’s craft activities and some of the space dedicated to a number of fine art groups,” he said.
“So, it’s not all just sales, it’s awareness of what is going on in the area.”
Entertainment was a standout feature of the night for Mr Lane, with children from Marri Grove Primary School performing beneath the library eaves and a young busker providing live music.
“And the variety of stalls was another highlight. We’ve always tried to maintain a balance of different stalls,” Mr Lane said.
“We’ve got candle makers, jewellery makers and crochet groups who regularly sell their products. (The crochet groups) do that for fundraising for the Crisis Care group.”
In total, 26 stalls lined the market, offering families a chance to browse handmade items and hunt for Christmas gifts.
Now in its third year, the Artisans Twilight Market has become part of the local calendar.
While stallholders in the past were hesitant to get involved, Mr Lane said ongoing community enthusiasm has helped cement the market’s place in Byford’s cultural life.
“As the market gains momentum, people are starting to realise it’s here to stay,” he said.
Photographs – Richard Polden.
