The fine-tuning has probably begun on the Whanganui night market but except for minor tweaks it was a raging success.
The Thursday Night Street Feast will visit Whanganui monthly. And that is great news. Those that organised the night market called it a "pioneering world gourmet street food event" and itwas quite the occasion.
On Thursday night, Majestic Square was packed with people enjoying a spring night, great food and entertainment. There was even a rumour one cafe ran out of wine. And that is one of the strengths of the night food market: it will bring crowds to the CBD and other retailers and food sellers will benefit.
People shopped or had a coffee afterwards along Victoria Avenue. The market is a magnet. And the sight of so many people, possibly up to 6000 according to Mainstreet, out and about in the city is good for our souls.
The success did bring problems. The queues were way too long. And there were not enough tables for people to sit and enjoy their food.
It is possible the night market may have to expand up the hill a little with some food trucks on the Whanganui War Memorial Centre forecourt, perhaps.
And there was a call for more local food trucks on the Chronicle Facebook page when we asked about the event. But the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Whanganui is hungry for this sort of event. It may be that the next time there won't be such a massive crowd. But it's a good bet that thousands will come again, or for the first time, to taste some of the atmosphere - and food.
