Night market in the red, not the black

The operators of the popular Margaret River Night Market have confirmed their summer venture is not going ahead. A Times report last fortnight outlined how the business left regulars in the dark after a cryptic Facebook post confirmed the 2021-22 season of the Memorial Park market was cancelled. The move follows several years of angst from main street traders who claim the business eats into their prime Friday night summer trade. Somersault Events co-owner Michelle Wright, who is also the Arts Margaret River manager, told the Times the market was no longer viable. “Social cohesion and community engagement is something that we have placed five years of our time supporting at no financial gain to ourselves,” she said. “The base evidence is that the night markets are not financially viable, and we cannot be out of pocket to run them. Cost neutral is acceptable, but not in the red.” The Times reported the venture failed to secure a Shire of Augusta-Margaret River community grant designed for not-for-profit groups, and costly carparking fees added to the burden on Ms Wright and colleague Katrina Lombardo.