Entertainers will be everywhere at market

The number of performers for the Thieves Alley Market have again grown this year.

There will be everything from magicians to high school bands and even a famous big red dog at the February 12 event.

Organiser Hazel Murtagh is pleased with the event's continual growth.

"We had a trapeze artist down Princes St last year and thrilled to have the response from the high schools. Completely filling this stage."

She's pleased the event attracts so many performers, as it's a good opportunity for them.

"It's a great opportunity for musicians to show their talent, which we like to encourage. But, it is a market day and all bands are requested to keep the volume to a reasonable level."

Murtagh says the long summer break meant much of the talent-wrangling had to be done ahead.

"Because of the holidays it is essential to contact before the end of the year. The commitment from music teachers is greatly appreciated, as they give of their time outside of ordinary hours. Also musicians take time for extra practice."

Having four stages all with amplification could make for sound-control issues, with crowds from one stage hearing music from another. However, Hazel Murtagh says the sheer volume of people walking around the market stalls usually soaks up much of the sound.

"Thieves Alley is well supported by the public and the crowds muffle any sound conflict."

Along with the four stages she says expect some oversized people walking about.

"Besides the four areas of entertainment there are also stilt-walkers from Highly Flammable, and throughout the day a host of entertainers will be marauding through the crowds."

• On a sad note the Catlins Woodstock event which was to have run this weekend was cancelled on Tuesday.

Organiser Kevin Thompson says "There are a number of reasons why and at the end of the day very slow ticket sales and lack of suitable sponsorship in time just didn't stack up enough financially to allow this event to proceed."

He was sorry for all concerned. "Sincere apologies go out with this cancellation as The Catlins Woodstock venue is a fantastic purpose-built music venue and accommodation."