A MARKET might seem like an event you need to attend, but plans to boost hospitality businesses' fortunes this Friday involve a market of a different kind.
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Friday was meant to mark the FOOD Week Night Market but it was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Instead, residents who would have attended have been urged to order takeaway from a restaurant or cafe and buy a bottle of wine, beer or spirits from one of the region's wineries or distilleries to enjoy at home from 5pm, when the original market would have started.
Visitors outside the region have been encouraged to source a bottle of Orange wine from a bottle shop and recipe from an Orange foodie.
They should post a photo of their meal on social media with the hashtag #nightmarketathome.
Agrestic Grocer owner Beau Baddock said he applauded any opportunity to support businesses from home and keep up the 'shop local' momentum.
"We're all hurting, and we've all had to change our business models and adapt as we go," he said.
He said the event was also a way for would-be revellers to connect.
Orange360 launched the idea for Night Markets @ Home on Thursday and general manager Caddie Marshall said the virtual event aimed to support businesses.
"This is an unprecedented time for our local tourism and hospitality industry, but Orange360 know that together, Orange can recover and thrive again," she said.
"This is about keeping the spirit of our community alive."
A Facebook event has been created and operators who can offer delivery and takeaway services have been invited to participate by posting their contact details, menu, website and any other relevant information.
Ms Marshall said Orange360 was also consulting with musicians to live stream performances during the night, with a donation platform set up to create virtual busking.
Details of performances will be posted in the Facebook event as they are confirmed.
It is expected to be the first in a series of targeted campaigns to support tourism and hospitality businesses through the current challenges.
The vast majority of FOOD Week events have been cancelled, with signature events hosting too many people and extra rules on cellar doors to suspend tastings.
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