A NEW market from January 7 promises multicultural food and a family-friendly atmosphere. People are expected to flock to the Twilight Food Market – Port Macquarie on Saturday nights through to April 15, weather permitting, at Town Beach Park Reserve. The Twilight Food Market – Port Macquarie is the brainchild of Maureen Shaw. She runs a twilight food market at Coffs Harbour’s Park Beach Reserve which draws a large crowd. Mrs Shaw said Port Macquarie had the right demographic for a twilight food market and Town Beach Park Reserve was the ideal location near the water and a children’s park. “It’s a really family-oriented event and Port Macquarie is famous for using its beautiful waterways,” she said. Town Beach Park Reserve is a popular spot by the water. Mrs Shaw, at this stage, hopes to have 10 food vendors at the first market. There are more vendors booked for future markets. Multicultural food is a must for the food vendors. Hungry patrons at the inaugural Port Macquarie market will enjoy cuisine ranging from Mexican to pizza, Mediterranean and Indian. Each market will feature musical entertainment. Singer Riley Paige, 13, will perform at the January 7 market. Mrs Shaw believes the food-only nature of the market keeps it unique. The Coffs Harbour event launched with about eight vendors and has grown to 25 vendors in its fifth season. It continues to attract new vendors. Mrs Shaw believes the elements of good food, great atmosphere and great location, which make the Coffs Harbour event so successful, will be mirrored at the Port Macquarie market. “I am really confident it will be a success because of the reaction,” she said about the Port Macquarie twilight food market. “It has been very positive from Port Macquarie people.” Mrs Shaw thanked Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park and Breakwall HQ for their support. The Twilight Food Market – Port Macquarie runs from 5pm to 9pm on Saturdays from January 7 to April 15, weather permitting, at Town Beach Park Reserve near the new kiosk and skate park.