Bluff Night Market Returns for Matariki

Preparations are proceeding well for the popular Thieves Alley Market / Bluff Promotions Night Market and Fire & Light Show on Saturday 11 July at the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival site.

Spokesperson Frazer Murdoch says last year's crowd "exceeded expectations" and this year there is "even more to enjoy" at the event which runs from 6pm until 10pm on Saturday July 11 as the nation celebrates Matariki.

"We have a fantastic range of marketeers with a huge variety of products, a fantastic selection of food trucks, live music plus a fire and light show with fire poi, fire staffs and decorated fire drums plus a Have A Go area for anyone wishing to try the Fire Poi or Staff. There is also a Story Telling Corner where stories of Matariki and Maori traditions will be shared. The Oyster Festival site is a wonderful venue. It provides great shelter to peruse the many market stalls with plenty of atmosphere with the lighting and fire demonstrations with the live music provided by Nolan Henigan."

The range of wares at the variety of stalls will be staggering with pounamu pendants and earrings, spices, crystals, stones, crocheted beanies, gloves and alice bands, balms and candles, handmade toys, sewed bags and aprons, 3D printed toys and ornaments, hair clips, Maori weaving and traditional crafts, press on nails, handmade herbal balms and plenty more.

The range of foods available from the food trucks is just as varied with hot foods such as loaded fries, burgers, wraps, steam buns, spin spuds, donuts, classic, sweet and savoury pretzels hot Maori inspired kai, cakes and cheesecakes, ice cream and of course coffee.

The evening runs from 6.00pm until 10.00pm and entry is via the Barrow Street gate of the Festival Site. Barrow Street runs parallel to Bluff's main street (Gore Street) one block off that street. A koha would be appreciated.

Organisers are also inviting the public to bring their fire poi, light poi, glow sticks, light whips, fire staff, lanterns and torches to add to the atmosphere of the night.

Saturday 11 July at the Bluff Oyster Festival site - lock it in!