Manly is one of the country’s top tourist destinations but COVID has smashed the area with a hit to international tourism and the pain of a second lockdown. With things looking brighter, Manly’s Market Lane is set to come alive this summer with a pop-up outdoor wine and food garden activating the laneways of the CBD for the remainder of summer.
Local operator Matt Clifton (The Cumberland, Donny’s and In Situ) is the driver behind the activation. “The year has brought many challenges within the hospitality and events industry, but it is remarkable to see the resilience and determination of our local
community and how everyone has supported one another to pull through the other side,” he said. “Market Lane Live is our way of showing support to those hardest hit, by invigorating our streets and inviting visitors back to Manly to enjoy what we have all missed; good food, local tipples, and some great local music”.
Running throughout summer, Market Lane Live will be taking place every Wednesday-Sunday plus public holidays, from 4pm and weekends from 12 midday. Guests will share in the experience of enjoying their favourite food delights from a selection of the surrounding restaurants including Momo Bar & Dumplings, Donnys Bar, The Hold,
Whistler St Pizza, Insitu and guest appearances by The Local Smoker team, serving up mouth watering American Style BBQ.
To accompany are some of the best brews of the Northern Beaches; including Nomads Brewing, 4Pines, Dad & Dave’s, and Manly Hops. To liven the atmosphere, Market Lane Live will host a talented line-up of local musical legends including Duan & Only, Mr Wilson Duo, Tom Southey, Ziggy McNeill, and many others every day, with guest appearances by Mark Furze and Matt Evans from the Voice. Supporting local artists back to the mic.
The event, which is supported by Northern Beaches Council, aims to promote and support local businesses and the community who have been affected by COVID-19.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said now more than ever, local businesses needed the support of visitors and residents. “Local traders have done it tough in the last year, so coming out to enjoy a Sydney summer at the Market Lane Live is a great way to help businesses and have a great time,” Mr. Regan said.
Local Manly MP James Griffin says Manly is back, and Market Lane Live is leading the charge. “The entire State looked on as we did the hard yards through the recent restrictions, but with the sun out and music playing, Manly is the place to be again. We are open for business and Market Lane Live is the best way to enjoy what our
beautiful part of Sydney has to offer,” Manly MP said.
Although the area will have its own bar and will be licensed, Market Lane Live is a completely family and pet friendly outing and operates Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
Market Lane Live is proudly presented by MJC Group & Campo Viejo Wines with the support of local heroes Poloko Marketing & Design, Northern Beaches Council, Manly Business Chamber & Nomads Brewing.