General News
5 September, 2025
Blow to markets
THE beloved Redlynch Community Twilight Markets have been postponed until 2026, with organisers citing volunteer shortages and persistent wet weather as key reasons for putting the family-friendly event on hold.
Once a regular fixture on the local calendar, the markets have brought colour, food and festivity to the Redlynch community since 2016.
But after cancelling three of five planned events last year due to rain, and now facing declining volunteer numbers, the small committee behind the markets said it was time to regroup.
“There are only three of us left on the committee,” said chairman Jim Shean.
“It might seem simple, but pulling off a market involves several days of work, including marking out sites, setting up fencing, managing traffic and guiding more than 40 stallholders,” he said.
The markets were originally held on Sunday mornings but became twilight events after consultation with the council in 2022 with the evening format helping the event stand out in the crowded city market scene.
“Council suggested a twilight market to avoid the heat and make it more family-friendly – and it worked,” said secretary Vicki Shean.
“We’d see families come straight from work, grab dinner and enjoy the evening together.”
The last two markets, held in June and October 2024, each attracted more than 500 people, with visitors travelling from as far as Mission Beach.
Forty stallholders and 10 food vendors had already signed up to launch the 2025 season before the committee made the difficult call to pause.
“We had a meeting, everything was approved, but we looked at each other and realised we just didn’t have the hands to do it,” Ms Shean said.
The group’s annual general meeting has struggled to attract new members for years, with work and family commitments limiting local involvement. To operate efficiently, the committee needs at least five active members.
Currently, the two Sheans and local real estate agent Shane Trimby remain.
Mr Shean said support was needed across a wide range of tasks, from administration and vendor traffic coordination to site marking and signage distribution.
“Volunteer participation is based on the availability and willingness of individuals,” he said.
“Whether it’s a couple of hours helping with paperwork or lending a hand during setup, it all makes a difference.”
Despite the challenges, the Redlynch Valley Community Group (RVCG) is continuing to deliver other much-loved events.
Plans are already underway for the annual Tunnel of Terror under Bowden Bridge in October, followed by a Christmas celebration at Xavier Herbert Park.
Over the years, the twilight markets have become a favourite for local families thanks to their relaxed evening vibe, children’s entertainment, live music and diverse food options ranging from Thai to woodfired pizza.
“We’ve had jumping castles, barbecues, live bands. It really is a celebration of community,” Ms Shean said.
“We’d love to bring it back stronger in 2026. We just can’t do it alone.”
Locals interested in volunteering or joining the RVCG committee can connect via the Redlynch Valley Community Group Inc Facebook page or contact Jim Shean directly on 0429 353 427.
