Market flourishes 2 years on

Rowe Te Meihana from local band Two Brothers nails a Foo Fighters cover song while performing at Hastings City night market yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

Despite the cool November night the usual stream of market-goers still fronted up for Hastings city night market's second birthday yesterday .

Hastings city business associate manager Susan McDade said they "still get a steady flow of people each week that come out no matter the weather".

As the weather hots up more stalls are expected to sign up.

"We're building it up, it's had a hard start with the cooler weather," Ms McDade said.

This year the market will be serving diverse food like Spanish paella, waffles, Fijian curry, and more.

Ms McDade said there were some exciting new stall holders planned for December.

The night market is more than just a string of stalls though, it is also a place where young talent can perform and people can test out business ideas.

"We've got some really talented people in the Bay," Ms McDade said.

Last night local band, Two Brothers, played with more acts expected in the coming weeks.

Veteran drag queens Buffy and Bimbo also made an appearance at last night's market. The pair have been performing for more than 15 years and are known for fronting events such as the Auckland Gay Pride Parade and wearable arts show WOW.

"They have a pretty slick act," Ms McDade said.

The community tent is also a hot feature of the market with a number of community organisations using it to showcase their latest and greatest.

Ms McDade said last year at least 32 different groups used the tent, from charity groups, to new business start-ups and fundraisers.

Groups can use the tent three times throughout the market season.

Everything from food, crafts, local talent and art is welcome at the market.

The Hastings night market runs each Thursday from 5-9pm during daylight savings in the Hastings city centre. People interested in performing at the market can fill out an application form available on www.hastingscitymarkets.co.nz/.

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