Whangārei's Canopy Night Market all go for second season

Leeann de Vries says there are 11 markets, held on Fridays, planned this season starting on October 19 and running until March 22 next year.

A commitment to make Whangārei's Canopy Night Markets an "outstanding experience every time" is the motivation behind this season's events, according to director Leeann de Vries. There are 11 markets, held on Fridays, planned this season starting on October 19 running until March 22 next year.

The market began in October last year after de Vries had a goal to grow the economy and build businesses in the area. The market was well supported by vendors selling delicious food and hundreds of people buying the tasty delights, with the Town Basin proving to be a great venue.

De Fries said overwhelming positive feedback from vendors and consumers made the decision to go ahead with another season easy.

The final Gourmet Night Market last season with the Town Basin proving a beautiful spot for a picnic. Photo / Tania Whyte

"Our commitment is to make sure we deliver an outstanding experience every time," she said.

"We made a few changes very early in the season which worked well and the response from those changes confirmed we were moving in the right direction. Adding to this, we will now have an eftpos facility, more shade cover and seating, and for consistency and easy to find ... as vendors will have the same spot for the entire season."

For one vendor the success last season has meant expanding from a food tent to a food van.

Even the menu options have grown with more raw, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available and a small number of vendors serving up hand-rolled, freshly baked bagels and Turkish bread.

People and food aplenty at the second Whangarei Gourmet Night Market. Boon Heansear cooks up a wok full of Chinese pork dumplings. Photo / John Stone

De Fries said after meetings with the Whangārei District Council it was decided the Canopy Bridge was the ideal location as it complemented the growth and development in the area.

This season will see an eclectic lineup of entertainment with artists from around Northland and there could even be a local version of "Sidewalk Kareoke".

Volunteers to help on market night or any interested sports groups, clubs or schools wanting to perform can contact info@helloevents.co.nz.

Jo Ellis goes for Mexican food. Photo / John Stone

Whangarei's Night Market at the Canopy Bridge.