Dandenong Market first opened its doors 150 years ago on 10 October in 1866.
The Journal thought it only fitting to mark the milestone in its Monday 10 October edition, ahead of jubilee celebrations on Sunday 16 October.
Organisers expect 25,000 people at the 150th birthday party which will run from 10am to 4pm and feature food, music, dance, rides and free activities for all ages.
Visitors will get a glimpse of the market’s roots through an interactive late 19th-century market scene, complete with colonial-era costumes and props which are perfect for photos.
The market partnered with Multicultural Arts Victoria to provide musical entertainment.
Acts will include Bindaas Bollywood Dance, fusion ensemble Trident combining North Indian classical music with Western music, and Sol Nation performing a melting pot of reggae, samba, funk, salsa, East Timorese folksong and African dance music.
An extra 15 food vendors and food trucks will join the 200-strong market stall line-up for the jubilee, including Melbourne Paella Company, The Curry Truck, Senor BBQ, Ok-Nomi and the Traditional Lemonade Stand.
A teacup ride, chair-o-plane and laughing clowns will bring a fairground vibe and there’ll be ta moko face painting, henna body art, kids’ face painting, an animal farm and more.
Dandenong Market general manager Jennifer Hibbs said the market was at the epicentre of Greater Dandenong.
“It’s the cultural heartbeat of the region,” she said.
“Since the market’s inception in 1866, we have grown from a tiny town of 48 to a buzzing cultural hub of close to 150,000 people.”
Today the market welcomes five million people through its doors each year.
“The 150th jubilee is not only a significant moment in the history of Melbourne markets, it is also a celebration of the vibrant community that has contributed to the Dandenong Market’s success today,” Ms Hibbs said.
Dandenong Market 150th
Enjoy these other stories at the Journal celebrates 150 years of the Dandenong Market:
Birthday party in store
From livestock to market stalls
History captures moments in time
Fruit stall stays in the family
Stall selling is their stock in trade
