Salamanca Market stallholders celebrate news that Boxing Day markets will go ahead

Salamanca Market stallholders are celebrating a win that will see the popular tourist drawcard host an exciting event this festive season. DETAILS >>

SALAMANCA Market stallholders are celebrating news the popular tourist drawcard will go ahead on Boxing Day.

With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday this year, stallholders and the Hobart City Council have been in negotiations after concerns not enough volunteers were available to staff a market on December 26.

But following a call out, the bare minimum amount of volunteers have been secured to enable it to proceed, in what is expected to be one of traders’ busiest days for almost two years.

Salamanca Market Stallholders Association president Emma Hope said traders were ecstatic.

“We are really happy that council have listened to the stallholders and have come to the party,’’ she said.

“This is going to be an amazing market on Boxing Day, one of the best shopping experiences in Tasmania will be down at Salamanca.”

Salamanca Market going ahead on Boxing Day, (L-R) Salamanca Market Stallholders Association President Emma Hope, Lord Mayor of Hobart Anna Reynolds and Hobart Bead Company stallholder Amy Zhang. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Hope said after this week’s reopening of state borders, strong trade was expected on both Saturday this week and on Boxing Day.

“We know that there are a lot of tourists around and no visit to Hobart is complete without a visit to Salamanca Market, so we are expecting a really good day,’’ she said.

About 60 volunteers are required to staff each market to comply with Covid-safe requirements including ensuring visitors check in to the event, sanitise their hands and wear a mask.

One familiar face among the group of volunteers on the day will be Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, who said she was pleased the event was proceeding.

“We had a very strong message from most of the stallholders saying it was a really important day for them, and it was worth us making that little bit of extra effort to try and recruit those additional volunteers, and it’s worked out,’’ she said.

Set among the historic Georgian sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place in Hobart, this famous market attracts thousands of locals and visitors every Saturday of the year. Image: Alastair Bett

“I’m really happy to be part of it. I think it will be a really fun morning.

“I think because the stallholders have had such a difficult couple of years, having a strong day on the 26th will really help their bottom line and their household income.”

Stallholder and jewellery maker Amy Zhang, who owns Hobart Bead Company, said trade from the market was a major part of her business.

“For us, it is very important and with the border open, it will be quite a busy market day,’’ she said.

“I’m so happy it’s going ahead.

“Salamanca Market is quite popular for tourists and I think it should be a really busy, great day.”

A free Saturday ferry service between Bellerive and Brooke Street Pier will start this week, run by Derwent Ferries.

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