Hornsby After Dark is bringing the evening life back to Hornsby, revitalising the 2077 postcode with entertainment, artistry and culinary delights to put this destination back on the map.
The Hornsby Twilight Markets were once a meeting place for Hornsby residents to spend their evenings enjoying food, music and shopping.
However, for the past two decades, the markets were shut down, leaving residents with fewer opportunities for community engagement and nighttime entertainment.
Recognising the potential to revive and enhance these markets, Claire Rampling, District Coordinator for Hornsby After Dark, spearheaded efforts to garner support for their return, aiming to reinvigorate the area and strengthen local engagement.
“I realised that we really need to go hard with what was happening within Hornsby because it was dying” Rampling said.
“I really saw that this was the perfect opportunity to bring Hornsby back to life because it has so much potential.”
From there, Rampling approached the Hornsby Organic Food Markets, which had been thriving during the day, with a proposal to expand their presence into the evening hours. Rampling was successful in securing their involvement and began the process of relaunching the markets on the second Saturday of every month.
The markets have now been running for three months, showcasing a vibrant mix of live performances, from jazz bands to DJs, alongside organic food and clothing stalls. While still in their early stages, there is significant potential for growth and evolution, Rampling noted.
“We are really trying to see what the community wants,” Rampling added.
Despite their infancy, the early success of the markets has ensured their continuation throughout the year and beyond.
“We’re now trying to get approval for the market space to permit alcohol,” Rampling added, noting how local businesses like Magpies Hornsby and Hornsby RSL will soon be able to serve alcohol, bringing more of Hornsby After Dark’s members into the fold.
Rampling attributes much of the success of her efforts in reviving the markets to the District model which Hornsby After Dark is a part of, as it “added weight” to her discussions with local council.
“Being in a District and working with the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner definitely helped me to gain support from the council, because in the beginning they were very skeptical about whether this would work. They see the risk, and the red tape.”
“I like cutting that red tape in half.”
To learn more about Hornsby After Dark or the Night Markets, contact Claire Rampling via the Hornsby After Dark District page.
We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians. We also acknowledge all of the traditional owners of the land in NSW, and pay respect to First Nations Elders, past and present.
