Alternative markets Darkcide Emporium to take place monthly at The Warehouse
Darkcide Emporium, Townsville’s first alternative markets is about to be unleashed as part of a new music venue’s exciting opening celebrations. See how to get involved.
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There’s plenty of markets to visit around the Townsville region, but none quite like these.
Described as Townsville’s first “alternamarket”, Darkcide Emporium will appear regularly alongside live local music events planned the first Sunday afternoon of each month at the soon-to-reopen live music venue The Warehouse – adjoining the Mansfield Hotel on Flinders St.
Realising the vision of founder Debbie Graves Van Zandt, Darkcide Emporium will have a vibe “like a flea market” and fill a massive gap in the NQ market for shoppers wanting to stock up on all things alternative.
The markets will offer a mix of new, second-hand, hand crafted, and underground goods.
Confirmed stalls will offer gothic wedding flowers, witchy goods, unusual home decor, clothing, gothy Mother’s Day gifts, bags, accessories, music, nails, jewellery, and even coffins.
Originally from the UK, Ms Van Zandt has identified as goth since the early 1980s, and regularly hosted a stall at the Whitby Goth Festival before she relocated to Townsville 11 years ago.
“When I moved here … I was disappointed with the lack of specific shops, clubs and pubs that catered for the alternative music scene, such as goth, punk, emo, metal, and heavy rock,” Ms Van Zandt said.
“(There’s) a few shops that maybe sell the odd one or two vaguely Gothic style clothes, so everyone has to buy online or take a trip down south – both of which cost a fair bit.”
Noticing an increasing number of locals she classed as “alternative” with piercings, tattoos, interesting coloured hair, edgy clothing, and make-up, she wondered where they all hung out.
After founding the Facebook group “The Townsville Alternative Collective” to bring like-minded people together, she connected with The Warehouse venue booker Tim Pellegrino who floated the idea of establishing stalls in tandem with live music.
“Tim suggested I see if I could round up about 20 stalls. I now have over 50 people interested on my list,” she said.
“Many stallholders will be alternating each month so it will keep a good mix of stalls and give them time to replenish their stock.
“The feedback both from potential vendors and the community in general has been amazing. Everyone has been saying this kind of event is a fantastic idea and just what the city needs.”
Given that the free Sunday afternoon events were licensed for all ages, she said they would be great for families looking for something different to do.
If you wanted to book a stall that stocked items differing from the standard market fare, including preloved alternative-themed clothing, email: debbierosegarden@hotmail.com
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Originally published as Alternative markets Darkcide Emporium to take place monthly at The Warehouse
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