Local was lekker once again at Xmas market

KNYSNA NEWS - The Christmas Market at Thesen Islands has become an annual beacon to herald the start of the festive season. Hosted on Sunday 1 December, this unique and festive local experience offered by Oakhill School in conjunction with The Lofts' Wine and Dine Market, was once again a great success.

"The market embodies our and The Lofts' shared passion to enhance and support local," said the school's marketing manager Karine Trollip. "International and local visitors alike had a distinctive experience enjoying local culinary delights and shopping from a plethora of world-class stallholders offering their unique local food, wine and products."

The market area in the parking area of Thesen Islands' Lofts Atrium was transformed with festive sounds from local duo Brent and Lorette.

Their live music complemented the shopping as well as wine-and-dine experience as guests mingled and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon outdoors. There was plenty of festive cheer with guests savouring a leisurely lunch after shopping and ending with sundowners on The Lofts' deck.

With over 50 stallholders, shoppers were able to browse and buy local wares, from gorgeous jewellery and funky clothing and bags to exquisite treats, decorations, trees and wreaths – all the while enjoying tasty Thai and curries, pork belly and moussaka or healthy harvest table salads topped off with a chocolate brownie treat, complemented by a selection of local gin, wine and beer.

Photo gallery: Lekker local Christmas market

The philosophy to support local provided stallholders a positive boost to their income, with new vendors saying they are looking forward to next year's market as it far exceeded their expectations. Previous attendees commented that it was their best market yet and will definitely be back.

Oakhill's strategy includes introducing at least 20% new stalls annually to keep the market novel and provide new entrants with the opportunity to showcase their offerings. Vendors said they also enjoyed socialising as much as selling, by catching up with old friends and new.

Oakhill thanks the community, friends and families of Oakhill for embracing this local initiative and wish all a superb festive season ahead.

Beatrix Hardick was one of the vendors at the market.