Rochester residents marked the shortest day and longest night of the year with their Winter Solstice Twilight Market.
Held on Friday, June 21, a range of vendors set up inside Rochester Shire Hall, selling items like handmade candles, artisan jewellery, freshly baked goods and organic local produce.
Organised by the Rochester Business Network, the event marked the group's first winter market, adding to their regular hosting of the Rochester Town Market.
RBN secretary and market coordinator Milly Cain was thrilled with the hundreds-strong turnout and positive community response.
“I think it was really well received by the community-minded people of Rochester that came out at 5pm on a Friday night in winter,” she said.
“I think that it’s something different for them to do.
“As always, it’s lovely to see their support of the locals.”
There was also a range of food to enjoy on site, including doughnuts, Turkish street food and wood-fired pizza.
Vendors were local and from out-of-town, including from Melbourne and Bendigo, which Ms Cain believes is a good sign for Rochy.
“We do try to keep as many local stallholders as possible,” she said.
“We did have people travelling. Some of the food vendors travelled.
“We draw from Melbourne and Bendigo, which is good to see that we’re getting that reach and that people from out of town are wanting to come to Rochester.
“Knowing that the market is well received by the public is really good.
Ms Cain and the Rochester Business Network would like to thank Rochester Community House for securing the hall for the event, as well as the volunteers who regularly help at the markets.
The next market will be the regular Rochester Town Market, held on the third Sunday of each month, running from September to April.