Flagstaff Hill comes alive thanks to Wollongong Council’s food festival — sample treats from around the world, music from local performers
Ah, the summer has set in, which means the Wollongong Council’s Food festival is here again. International cuisine, background music, a beautiful sunset, the perfect setting for a night out with family and friends… you’ll find all this and more between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the festival at Flagstaff Hill hosted by the council on the first Fridays of the summer months.
The festival, known as ‘Twilight Food Festival’, begins in October and ends in March.
Giving details about the festival, Lee, one of the council staff workers, says, “The Council organises many events for the people and the ‘Twilight Food Market’ is one of those. Flaghill sees this market on the first Friday of every month beginning October and running through to March. It is now the third successful year of the festival and with each passing year, this festival is gaining popularity.”
Lee says that the festival is focussed on food so there is a large choice available. “We have 18 to 20 stalls of different types of food and these stalls vary every month. Every stall holder has to pay a fee to the council for theses stalls. This council also makes seating arrangements for the public,” says Lee.
Italian pizzas, Lebanese falafels, Dutch pancakes, Turkish gozleme, Indian parathas… those are just some of the tempting bites on the menu at the markets.
“It is a real treat for your palate as you get Ethiopian, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and more in a small market. After the hectic Friday, the evenings are very lively. There are so many delicious cuisines, fruit juices, and hot drinks on offer. Moreover, it is a great atmosphere and there is a lot to do and enough space for children to play,” says Elise, who does face painting at the Twilight market.
Food isn’t the only exciting aspect of the festival – the Council organises live music too and every Friday sees a different artist perform.
And for those worried about what will happen to the festival on windy evenings, the Council has a contingency plan. “If it gets too windy, the market will be shifted to Lang Park or some other place. The Council will make sure festival-goers are kept abreast of any changes,” says an organiser.
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