The vibrant Inglewood Monday Night Markets, a staple of Perth's summer for a decade, have been abruptly cancelled just weeks before the holiday season begins. Event organisers Inglewood on Beaufort delivered the devastating news via social media on Friday afternoon, citing a severe funding reduction from the local council and spiralling operational expenses.
Funding Slashed and Costs Soar
In an official statement, organisers revealed the event's collapse was triggered by a perfect storm of financial pressures. The City of Stirling slashed its annual grant for the seven-month market program by approximately 40%. This critical funding had previously covered the fees for the external event management company required to operate one of Perth's largest weekly markets.
Compounding the grant cut, organisers pointed to significant increases in compliance, regulatory obligations, and overall operational requirements. A new mandate for registered crowd controllers was cited as the final burden that pushed total delivery costs beyond a viable level. The statement confirmed that the standard operating model had become "extremely difficult to sustain."
A Decade of Community Spirit Lost
The cancellation marks the end of a ten-year run for the markets, which were widely credited with energising Inglewood's town centre and providing crucial support for local businesses. The markets also offered food truck operators a reliable Monday night trade, making their loss a significant economic and cultural blow to the area.
Organisers expressed their profound disappointment, stating, "We are incredibly disappointed. Please know we explored every possible avenue to deliver the event this year." They have, however, committed to working with the City of Stirling to explore potential changes that could allow the markets to make a return next season.
Public Outpouring and Call to Action
The announcement sparked an immediate and emotional response from the community on social media. Residents and market lovers shared their sadness and nostalgia for the lost event, with many recalling the markets' role in creating a vibrant community hub.
One social media user lamented, "Thanks for all you do Inglewood on Beaufort. It's such a shame when a community event disappears." Another expressed hope for a future return, while a third directly called for public action: "Time for the public to email Stirling council and councillors to ask for support to bring back next year!"
With the summer school holidays and festival season fast approaching, families and friends who made the markets a weekly ritual are now left to find a new Monday night spark, as a beloved Perth institution falls silent.
