Glenelg traders gear up for Tour Down Under bonanza

TRADERS are hoping for huge crowds at Jetty Rd when the Tour Down Under returns to the Bay next week.

08/01/16 - Finesse Models Emily Gilder and Dulcie Bird will take part in the Jetty Road Tour Down Under street party. Photo Tom Huntley

TRADERS are hoping for huge crowds at Jetty Rd when the Tour Down Under returns to the Bay next week.

The festivities will kick off with the Return of the Tour Street Party next Wednesday, which the Jetty Road Mainstree Committee expects to draw more than 15,000 people.

About 8000 spectators are expected to return the to the Bay the next day to watch the cyclists take off for Stage 3, racing to Campbelltown.

Last year’s street party was the first for seven years, so some businesses were hesitant about being involved, but committee chairman Mark Faulkner said those worries had been allayed this year.

“Once it gets to be a regular event more and more people will come,” Mr Faulkner said.

“The atmosphere will be amazing this year.”

More than 30 businesses are involved this year and the end of the event has been pushed back to 11pm instead of 9.30pm.

Mr Faulkner said this made more traders, particularly restaurants, feel it was financially viable to get involved.

The route along Jetty, Brighton and Diagonal roads will be festooned with bicycle-themed decorations for the 11am start on January 21.

“It’s great for cafes – they’re here early for coffees and breakfast,” Mr Faulkner said.
“It really is good for them.
“The smart ones even put coffee machines out on the street and do really well – they’re looking forward to it.”
Moseley Square restaurant and tapas bar Tasca Viva will set up shop on Jetty Rd for the street party, selling drinks and paella.

Owner Adrian Morrissy said more people were already asking about this year’s event and he hoped the later end time would lead to increased sales.

“It’s a good thing to get people down to Jetty Rd and it gives us a chance to show off the food we do to a lot of people who might not always come here,” Mr Morrissy said.

Attitudes Boutique will have a stall in front of the business on Jetty Rd and will have clothes in a fashion parade.

Owner Simon Martin agreed it was a good way to increase his business’s exposure.

“It was a great success last year and we’re looking forward to it again,” Mr Martin said.

Did you go to Glenelg’s street party last year? Let us know what you thought of it by leaving a comment below.