Vintage, antiques feature at flea market

NEW IDEAS: The flea market will be a one-stop indoor shop at next month's Whanganui Vintage Weekend.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

One of Vintage Weekend's new events is already proving popular with 25 vintage, retro, second-hand and antique sellers signed up for the flea market.

The market has been introduced to next month's Whanganui Vintage Weekend and will be held over the Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, inside War Memorial Hall, bringing all second-hand sellers under cover and into one location.

The idea was born out of an unusual gusty wind during this year's event.

"This caused real problems as spots that were normally sheltered were suddenly very exposed and stall holders suffered stock damage," flea market organiser Elise Goodge said. "The decision to move indoors gives stall holders, especially those with rare or collectible items, some peace of mind."

There will also be a pop-up cafe, free antique appraisals by local experts Brian Hayward and Andrew Gannon. Guest speakers include RSA manager Kyle Dalton, who will run through the 100-year history of the RSA in Whanganui, and Kelly Scarrow, aka the Inked Librarian, who will discuss community crafting. The flea market will culminate in a vintage auction on the Sunday afternoon by Hayward's Auction House.

"We thought, since we had booked the entire War Memorial Centre, we should make the best possible use of it," Ms Goodge said.

The War Memorial Hall will also double as a wet weather venue. The flea market will be open from 10am to 4pm each day and there is a $5 entry fee for adults while children are free. The $5 entry fee is for multi-entry, meaning people pay once and can come and go from the market.

All proceeds from the flea market are being donated to the Vintage Weekend Trust which will use the money to continue to grow the festival for future years.

-Stall sites are still available and if you are interested in on contact Elise Goodge on 021 178 8451 or email leeziebee@hotmail.com. Find out more by visiting vintageweekend.co.nz.