Sydney’s “Markets by Moonlight”, traditionally held every November in The Rocks precinct, have been extended this year and are expected to generate extra spending of $10 million by visitors to the area.
The markets, hosted by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore authority (SHFA), will be held in the streets and laneways of The Rocks every Friday night until the end of March. They consist of a large number of stores selling unique gifts, fashion and food, spread over the northern edge of George St, Atherdon Street, Jack Mundey Place and Playfair Street.
A spokesperson for the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority said that over 8000 people are expected to visit the markets each night – more than 150,000 over the summer season.
Michael Lacey, President of The Rocks Chamber of Commerce, said that he supports the markets, but believes that the main benefactors of the increased activity are the cafes and restaurants of the area, as opposed to retail shops.
Local business owner Zoe Gray, General Manager of The Candle Factory, agreed with this sentiment. She said that there is a danger that people choose to visit the markets during the evenings rather than during the day, which benefits local bars and restaurants but draws day trade away from retailers.
Mrs Gray said that overall she is in favour of the markets, but was unsure whether they would maintain interest until the end March. “I think it’s a great idea to enliven the rocks on a Friday night,” she said. “It will be interesting to see whether it sustains itself over the next couple of months.”
The markets also include free live entertainment in the Rocks square each week. Friday the 15th of January will see performances by Michael Bevan and ‘On the Stoop’ in The Rocks Square. Carrie Larkin and M J Woodbridge will entertain on Friday the 22nd.
by Aaron Cook
