Founded by trendsetter Liz Raleigh, East is East Night Markets is the only night market in Sydney promising gorgeous handmade goodies all under $100. “We’re not a fan of the mass-produced, so you’ll only find quality, locally-made products by a seriously talented group of stallholders. The inaugural market is happening this Thursday July 18 at Tap Gallery for the good folk of Sydney. We’re having a bit of a launch party to kick us off and we’re offering goodie bags to the first 30 people through the door!”

The marketplace:“I was very picky in choosing the stallholders and I’m very excited about our lineup. I love the work of Amy from Seventh Tree Soaps. She’s been making waves here and abroad with her stunning handmade soaps and lip balms. If it’s home wares you’re after, we have two amazing ceramicists – Niharika Hukku and Mudslinger –with very different styles. We also have a great selection of jewellery from the ultra-modern, to the eco-friendly and downright funky and colourful. Plus stationery, t-shirts, candles, vintage and more! We’ll be rotating the stallholders too, so punters will get a lot of variety each week.”

Market value:“I’m a market-goer myself and was getting a bit miffed with some of the prices I was seeing being charged in other markets. Markets used to be affordable places to find unique products. I felt some of them were becoming almost elitist and featuring a lot of imported and mass-produced goods. True lovers of the handmade are happy to pay a bit more, but are not happy to be ripped off. So, we’re combining the best of both worlds: offering genuine handmade goods and reasonable prices. And I repeat: ‘everything’s under $100!’”

Market-goer specs: “We’re in a great location just one block from Pocket Bar and Taylor Square, so we’re expecting a lot of the after-work crowd to swing by. Because there will be a bar open during each market, Sydneysiders can come and chill in the lounge area with a drink after browsing the stalls or pop by after dinner in Stanley Street or Surry Hills.”

Dress us from head to toe:My ideal outfit after a visit to East is East would be a funky screen-printed t-shirt from Uncle Fritz, an African-print clutch from Nakeba, a vintage skirt from Annie Lou’s Closet and some gorgeous accessories by Zefyr Jewels. Oh, and you can funk up your offspring too, with a super cute Tom Petty onesie by YOLO.

Point of difference:One of the best things about this market will be the atmosphere. The Tap Gallery is a great venue with a really unique bar area, cool art covering the walls and even a resident ginger cat! But above all, the best thing about East is East is the quality and variety of products.

facebook.com/eastiseastnight

East is East Night Market is launching this Thursday July 18 at Tap Gallery.

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