Plug pulled early on Maylands Hawker Markets

LOCAL Arts and Community Events Inc (LACE) has pulled the plug on the successful Maylands Hawker Markets, three weeks earlier than expected.

Last Saturday, February 4, was the final market for the 2016-17 season, as the group decided to turn to a new monthly, themed format to compete with increasing markets, events and food trucks popping up in Perth.

LACE treasurer Linda McCormack said the markets had been really successful for the past four years due to a small group of dedicated volunteers and broad community support.

However, she said attendance was down this season due to a host of new events and about 300 food trucks in Perth.

“When we first started… it was a pretty unique concept, the only other one going on at that time was at Forest Place,” she said.

“They’re all over the place now, everyone’s got weekly markets; that’s kind of what made us decide it was time to mix it up a bit.

“There’s a lot going on in Perth at the moment, in February there’s Fringe and Chinese New Year and other festivals.”

Ms McCormack said while Perth boasting increasing arts and food markets was a “brilliant problem to have”, LACE has decided to rebrand its Hawkers Markets and make it a monthly, year-long format.

She said they wanted the market, still held at The RISE, to be bigger and feature live art, different performers and a bar.

Ms McCormack said they hoped to kick off the new markets with a Christmas in July theme, subject to Council approvals.

LACE will also run the Maylands Easy Retro Ride and Picnic for Bike Week, Eurovision and Riverside Barkfest this year.