Market takes on a European flavour

CHRISTMAS TIME: The parade marching along Fitzherbert St at the Featherston Christmas Market last year. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

This year's Featherston Christmas Market will be a "step-up" from last year's affair, says the organiser.

Featherston's fifth Christmas Market will be of a "distinct European flavour" with Christmas decorations, street displays and market stalls.

The festive event will run from 3pm to 8pm on December 12 along Fitzherbert St and will host a parade with floats.

Organiser Marc Van de Loo said it was a family event based on European Christmas markets and mixed New Zealand traditions with those from the Northern Hemisphere.

He had been introduced to the European-style Christmas markets while holidaying in Germany with family 10 years ago.

"That's what sparked the interest, and then we ran it as a fundraiser at St Teresa's School."

It was held there from 2006 to 2009 after which the committee decided to put the idea on hold, until last year when they decided to reboot it after public pressure.

"We decided it would be better in the main street where the business community could benefit."

The committee was building on what it had learnt from last year's market, which had seen a huge turnout, Mr Van de Loo said. "We're being smarter with the entertainment - we'll have two stages more strategically placed."

There would be performances by Featherston-based musicians Saali Marks, Warren Maxwell of Trinity Roots and Ex-Blerta musician Patrick Bleakley.

Nine ethnic food stalls would be located in the "food square" and market stalls with "an emphasis on Christmas" would be spread along the town's main street.

Mr Van de Loo said money for the market had been raised "through a lot of hard work" and local fundraisers.

The Featherston Community Board had contributed to the cause, as did Newstalk ZB which gave a $2000 donation to fund the purchase of a sound system.

"Cool displays" like a giant fireplace with a hearth and Santa's house, "with a seat for Santa, of course", would be on show and there would be rollerskating for kids.

Anyone wishing to help with setting up the stages and displays would be welcome, Mr Van de Loo said.

Everest Cafe owner Lesley He said if all things went to plan, the opening celebration of the new Everest restaurant would be combined with the Christmas market.

The Featherston Christmas Market has been listed on cheapflights.co.nz as one of "10 of the Best Christmas Markets in New Zealand" to visit.