Thursday night saw record numbers of about 5000 people descending on Hastings CBD for the last Night Market of 2014.
A balmy summer evening broke through for this festive-themed market, boasting a packed evening of entertainment, with some extra items brought from the Christmas in Cornwall Park event that wascancelled due to inclement weather last Sunday.
The Christmas Swan and the elf helpers, as well as Santa's Wonderland, ensured a magical evening for the children of Hastings, while the Dream Girls, LDS Gospel Choir and Fours Company sang carols and songs from the stage, with plenty of lively participation from the crowds. A live nativity tableau captivated young and old with their depiction of the first Christmas - with a real baby playing Jesus.
Susan McDade, manager of Hastings City Business Association and organiser of the market, said, "It was a wonderful night and really lovely to see whole families enjoying the entertainment, delicious food stalls and festive atmosphere - a real coming together of the community at Christmas time."
The Night Market will not be open on Christmas Day but will return in 2015 on New Year's Day with all the usual appetising street food stalls and local handcrafts - the perfect place to take your out-of-town relatives and friends for supper and a browse, soaking up the city vibe and enjoying some free entertainment.
The Hastings City Growers Market will be lining the streets of Heretaunga St East on Saturday, December 27, and Saturday, January 3, which should be ideal for stocking up on affordable fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and meat to feed all those hungry holiday guests.
