I once saw La Traviata performed live in an echoey, stone and marble Italian church off Via Nazionale in Rome. I was jet lagged plus tired. I may have struggled to keep my eyes open to my eternal shame. But the whole experience captured l’essenza della vita (the essence of life). I have also enjoyed live opera accompanied by classical orchestral music al fresco in Covent Garden. I stood speechless, absorbing the magical moment; fresh air, history, artistry, beauty, Monopoly and BBC tele drama’s come to life. On Saturday 28th February I saw the Soopa Doopa Bush Band busking in the late afternoon sunshine on the green, green hillside at the Belgrave Big Dreams Twilight Market. And it was good.

http://www.belgravebigdreamsmarket.com

Running from 9am to 2pm on the second Sunday of the month throughout the year, the Belgrave Big Dreamers Market is a vibrant and busy part of the local community. Held in the grounds of St Thomas Moore Primary School the market has a great range of food, produce, craft and design. I attended their annual twilight market held in conjunction with the local Belgrave Buskers Festival.
Belgrave was bustling in its own eclectic Belgrave way. Parking was hard to find but I enjoyed walking through town and passing a variety of musicians happily playing sweet songs to the mountainside. A cacophony of tunes tinkled their way around the main street before being swallowed by the treetop surrounds. The sun was out and so were the people. The market itself was busy and colourful and my favourite stall would have to be the Babaji’s kitchen who sell the most delicious Indian Street food. They were celebrating their first birthday of business and I can only hope that they have many more birthday celebrations to come. 🙂 Samosa, Mango Lassi, Masala Dosa. All of it awesome!

https://www.facebook.com/BabajisKitchen I believe Belgrave Big Dreams Market gave them their first market opportunity, but they visit a number of other markets too so check out their Facebook page to stay up to date.

My children loved the home made fruit icy poles made in the idyllic Yarra Valley using 100% fresh seasonal fruit and herbs. https://www.facebook.com/mountainpops/info?tab=page_info

Children were made welcome at the market with the inclusion of a craft area and of course the local school playground being on site. Belgrave Big Dreams Market is successful and established but full of creative enthusiasm nonetheless. Catch the train or brave the parking but get there somehow. It might not be Rome in Summer, but it still manages to capture l’essenza della vita. Hills style.

Enjoy. Dani xx