Preston Market’s one-day party dedicated to Italy after much-needed win

A popular northern suburbs market is bringing back the dolce vita life for one fun-packed day, getting the community together after months of uncertainty over the market’s future.

Preston Market will embrace everything that makes Italy great with the return of the much-loved annual Italian Day Festival on Sunday, August 27.

A beloved northern suburbs market will transform into “Little Italy” for one-day, bringing together the community to celebrate after months of uncertainty.

Preston Market will embrace everything that makes Italy great with the return of the much-loved annual Italian Day Festival on Sunday, August 27.

Brimming with La Dolce Vita, the Italian Day Festival will bring the iconic market to life with singing and dancing, Italian music, family fun activities and delicious food starting from 10am to 3pm.

It comes after the state government's announcement protecting the iconic market under heritage protection as vendors fight against redevelopment plans.

Preston Market assistant property manager Ms Netta said it was great to see the community “come together to focus on something positive”, transforming the market into ”Little Italy for the day”.

“We are very excited to welcome the community. This is one of our larger cultural events that we hold throughout the year, and we‘re expecting 1000s, and as an Italian myself, I’m thrilled,” she said.

Ms Netta said vendors and stallholders at the market can‘t wait for Italian Day festivities.

“Stallholders do extremely well on a day like this. They become fully prepared, fully stocked, ready to serve all customers,” she said.

“They‘re fully prepared to take on the overload of people waiting to eat, drink, and enjoy the day.”

Visitors can expect to experience a line-up of Italian music and entertainment, with performances by Lorenzo + Co, the Melbourne School of Tarantella, and the Veneto Club Choir of Melbourne.

A one-day Italian fiesta to bring la dolce vita to life at Preston Market celebrating community and traditions at the Italian day festival 2023.

Ex-MasterChef contestant and Preston Market supporter Amir Manoly will start the day by sharing his favourite Italian dishes at a cooking demonstration.

Festival-goers can also feast on delicious food from pop-up food stalls, including St Gerry‘s, Super Raw on Wheels, Mio Panino, Twista Bros, Abruzzo Lab, Il Panzerotto and Pour Some Suga, with drinks from Gindu, Rustic Bean and more.

Ms Netta said attendee should consider their means of transport to avoid havoc.

“I would suggest people who are driving to come early to grab a car park, but I would also strongly suggest they use trams or the train station that's right at the doorstep of the market,” she said.

“Given the amount of foot traffic we‘re expecting, it could become quite chaotic in the carpark and we want people to enjoy the day rather than feeling stressed … the best commute would be public transport.”