It's magic under the moonlight at the Westville Night Market

It's magic under the moonlight at the Westville Night Market

On the first Friday of every month, just as the sun is turning in and the inky night is taking the reigns, something a little special happens in Westville. Local craftsmen, vendors and artisans gather at the Jimmy Bellows Sports Field and set up their temporary stalls for one night of magic under the moonlight. Sure, you can toss cheese and bread into your trolley at the local supermarket. But if you're after something more exotic, more festive, more social: then join the crowds that fill the fields and float from stall to stall beneath a starry sky.

The temptation of the night market
Night markets are nothing new, but they are growing enormously in popularity across the world. They offer variety and charm not seen in shopping malls and are a much-needed source of support for local vendors and small businesses.

The same is true for our very own Westville Night Market. Night markets are hugely appealing, with various food stalls catering to diverse tastes - throw in lively entertainment - and you have the perfect recipe that invites folk to hang out and enjoy themselves. People leisurely stroll from stall to stall, linger over goods for sale and socialise with friends. What shopping becomes is an event rather than a chore. And the novelty of doing so at night adds that sense of romance and merriment to the occasion.

Food, glorious food
"Eat, drink and be merry" might be an old saying, but it is taken very literally at the Westville Night Market! Over 100 stalls grace the grounds, and they serve up a wide variety of food, drinks and crafts. One of the best features of a night market is that, unlike a restaurant that serves a limited menu or adheres to one type of cuisine, the stalls cater to a diverse range of tastes. Feel like a southern fried chicken? Kids keen for an ice-cream taco? What about a lamb curry or biltong or samosas or braaivleis or kebabs...? Seriously, the options are endless. You're so spoilt for choice that your only worry may be making up your mind!

Once your hands are full and your mouth watering, head to the seating area where you gather with friends and family around the tables and tuck into your tasty fare while listening to the strains of live music filling the evening air.

Well, that takes care of the "eat", but what about the "drink"? No worries! The Westville Night Market isn't about to let you down. There's a beer garden - which supplies plenty of lubrication as well as a healthy dose of that "merry" we're looking for. For those keen for a caffeine fix, there are the obligatory coffee stalls and vendors selling everything from flavoured water to freshly squeezed juice.

Now that's what we call entertainment
One of the greatest appeals of a night market - and what sets it apart from daylight alternatives - is the market's nighttime entertainment vibe. Live music sponsored by Blue Security provides ambience and festive flair to the occasion. The children have a designated play area with interactive activities for all ages like rock climbing, sand art and cupcake decorating. Also at the scene, clowning around, is Lester the Jester, who's on hand to keep the kids entertained with slapstick humour and moments of magic.

What do you need to know to be in the know?
The Westville Night Market is hosted at the Jimmy Bellows Sports Field, 5 Link Road (Dawncliffe, Westville), on the first Friday of every month. The next market will be on Friday 7 October. "Doors" open at 5:30 pm and close at 9 pm, and it's humming to capacity from opening. To ensure the event runs smoothly, car guards, traffic control and additional seating are all available during the evening. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming details. Now, all you need to do is show up and get merry at the market!