Southbank’s inaugural Re-love Festival proves a hit with locals and visitors

Southbank’s first pre-loved market has been hailed a resounding success with a range of stalls and activities bringing the community together.

The event, held on Sunday, November 12 at the Boyd Community Hub, attracted a significant crowd with pre-loved treasures delighting bargain hunters.

From clothing and accessories to toys, household items, books, and antiques, there was something for everyone while children’s face-painting and workshops, and music performances also kept crowds entertained.

Named the Re-love Festival, the day was part of the nation-wide Garage Sale Trail initiative, which supports a sustainable way of living by allowing people to provide a new home to pre-loved items while fostering a strong sense of community. 

Maria Tarrant of the Southbank Sustainability Group praised the event, saying “it would be great to see this on the annual calendar”.

“Southbank’s first Re-love Festival was a great opportunity for residents to recycle their loved but unneeded goods, as they bought and sold at the various stalls,” she said.

“The fun event highlighted the importance of recycling in terms of reducing waste and giving household goods, furniture and toys a second life. Congrats to the City of Melbourne for sponsoring the event.” •

Caption: Crowds soak up the vibrant atmosphere during the Re-love Festival. Photos: Marcela Lechocka.