Kojonup’s Christmas twilight market draws 1000-strong crowd that brings festive cheer

Kodja Place hosted a successful Christmas twilight market last week with more than 1000 people turning out at the event to revel in the festive spirit.

About 50 stalls lined the Kodja Place Cultural Centre from 4-8pm on Friday, selling homemade wares, garments and ornaments before Santa and his helpful fairies lit the town Christmas tree.

Kodja Place manager Jill Watkin said the night was a tremendous success with travellers from around the Great Southern converging on Kojonup to revel in the joyous atmosphere and Christmas spirit.

“The Christmas twilight markets were a huge success with over 1000 people attending and many of our stallholders selling out of their goodies,” she said. “The twilight markets at the Kodja Place Cultural Centre are growing year on year with 50 stallholders this year compared to 27 at last year’s event.

“People travelled from Perth, Esperance, Albany and Margaret River to come to the markets.”

Eager thrift shoppers found solace at the bar while the kids were kept entertained by Santa and his fairies.

“Thirsty shoppers frequented the bar between shopping while their children had their faces or arms artistically painted by the beautiful fairies, Buttercup and Daisy,” Ms Watkin said.

“Singer-songwriter Brandy Newton kept the crowd entertained and was a great addition this year to the fantastic atmosphere.

“The arrival of Santa Claus in a fire truck attracted a horde of very excited children who greeted him beside the Christmas tree in the centre of the Australian Rose Maze.”

After a highly successful event, Ms Watkin said plans for another expansive Christmas market next year were already under way.

“Many of this year’s stallholders are already reserving their stalls to bag their favourite spot,” she said.

“We can’t wait to reveal exciting new additions to next year’s event and we would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who made this possible.”