2022 marks 21 years of markets at the Entertainment Quarter.
In an amazing feat of endurance, the twice-weekly market, now run by Cambridge Markets, has survived social change, recession, floods, storms and even a pandemic.
Market coordinator Madelienne Anderson said she wanted to pay homage to the hundreds, if not thousands, of stallholders who have made the pilgrimage to the Entertainment Quarter over the past two decades to be a part of the market.
“It is an amazing achievement to celebrate a milestone like 21 years,” Anderson said. “We are so grateful to have had the support of so many small and micro businesses over the years to make these markets one of the most cherished alfresco destinations in Sydney.
“We are also eternally grateful to our thousands of loyal customers who keep us going week after week. We are looking forward to another 21 years at the space.”
The markets were launched in 2001 in what was then known as Fox Studios. Under the canopy beside the heritage-listed Sydney Showgrounds Showring, the markets have been home to fine produce, fresh flowers, hot food, coffee, and a bonanza of small retailers who bring life and vibrance to this unique space.
The market, which runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am-2pm, continues to bring a beautiful range of vendors to the Moore Park precinct.
Current vendors include Mayfarm Flowers, which bring flowers directly from their local farm, Vegie King, Pickle Hill Farms, Organic Bread Bar, Mojo Picon and Two Duck Trading Co. The variety of stalls ranges from week to week and change with the seasons to reflect growing conditions.
“One of the great things about this market is that you can absolutely eat with the seasons,” Anderson said. “We see the seasons change week by week in the produce that the farmers bring in. As we come into summer we will start to see all the Christmas seasonal fruit come in, from cherries to stone fruit. Then as we head into autumn, the winter produce will come in. It’s really exciting to be at the market to eat with the weather.”
Apart from offering an amazing array of fresh foods, the market has become home to a weekly global hot food market, with cuisines on offer ranging from Vietnamese to Spanish and everything in between.
Increasingly, there are also a number of lifestyle operators who trade from these markets, including candlemakers, small fashion retailers, jewellers and artists.
“It’s such a pleasure to connect small retailers with customers,” said Anderson. “It’s a very special place and we encourage people who haven’t visited the market for a while to return to see what we have to offer. It’s a very special place and a unique Sydney experience. It’s also so rare to be able to shop outdoors in the open air, and we relish offering that experience.”
Cambridge Markets EQ
Wednesdays and Saturdays
8am-2pm
