Blythedale Coastal Adventure Market - A Marketable Success
2018-11-26
In a previous issue of KZN Business Sense, the impending launch of Blythedale Coastal Adventure Market (BCAM for short) was discussed. Having had several fruitful instalments since that publication, it seemed crucial to communicate its ongoing success, and increasing attractions.
This unique and exciting adventure market is situated at Blythedale Coastal Estate, 15 minutes north of Ballito. It's open every Sunday from 9am-4pm, and has a variety of attractions which entice people from all walks of life. Different aspects include a craft market, a farmer's market, an artisanal food market, and a whole lot of adventure. This epic market inspires fun for the whole family; as many happy marketgoers will attest.
Gary called it "a groundbreaking innovation for local producers to showcase their products at the best market venue in the world". This marketer was one of over 3000 who attended the inaugural event on the 4
November, who were served by about 90 vendors.
The second instalment saw the number of small businesses increase to over 100. However, the market is constantly growing and organisers are always on the lookout for new vendors. If you're interested in setting up a stand, contact our event coordinator Bron on 061 820 3518 or via email at bron@elan.co.za.
Blythedale Coastal Adventure Market aims to provide customers with a consistently exciting experience, by taking existing elements and adding to them in new and interesting ways. The goal is to provide marketgoers with a unique adventure every single week.
This is highlighted by the numerous different musical acts that have already showcased their talents. These include Afritude, The Meditators, Styler, Pierre de Charmoy, and The Kickstands. Upcoming acts include the likes of Qadasi and Maqhinga. Hosted by Danny Fisher and DJ Spike, acts perform at the main stage in the beer tent, and under cover of the coastal forest at the Beach Bar.
Both venues are a hit, aided by the pedigree of KZN's finest local talent.
These venues, along with the variety of attractions and concessions, make for a hugely personalised, customisable experience for consumers. People can choose to experience the Blythedale Coastal Adventure Market however they like - there is a freedom of choice previously unseen in other markets in the KwaZulu-Natal region. The degree of openness cannot be emphasised strongly enough.
Marketgoers have free roam to do what they want, whether that is relaxing on the beach, browsing the market, participating in various adventure activities, or having beers in a festive environment.
The increasing popularity of BCAM is epitomised by its growing presence on social media. Blythedale Coastal Adventure Market on Facebook now has over 1600 page "likes", after only three events, at the time of writing. One user described the experience as an "awesome market in an amazing setting", with another adding "So much to see and do.
A full day coastal adventure for the whole family". These positive comments add credence to the page's five-star rating.
The Instagram page (blythedale_coastal_market) displays the market in all its glory, highlighting activities and promoting the different vendors.
This is recognised by the growing online community, with the "follower" count up to around 450; who increase and engage on a daily basis.
The three elements that combine to make BCAM so uniquely exciting are the all-inclusive market, the adventure activities, and the soon-to-be-launched homemakers' expo. The actual market is further broken down into arts and crafts, farmers' fresh produce, and gourmet food. Food ranges from bakeries and shisa nyama, to burgers and ice cream, with various halaal options. These all combine to make this market inclusive to every South African's palette. Paired with fine wine, good beer, and interesting blends of spirits, a festive atmosphere is all but guaranteed.
Freedom means being able to make your own decisions, and that is what this market offers people. Free to enter, anyone with a slight sense of adventure can make this their regular Sunday hangout. Some even use this as an opportunity to view properties for sale at Blythedale Coastal Estate.
North Coast property is highly sought-after, this year more than ever. The market experience is a fun way for prospective clients to view property, done through agent-driven 4X4 trips, or pilotflown helicopter flips (both free, and immensely popular so far).
All of these attractions and activities help make BCAM the most epic market on the coast. Different people experience the same thing in different ways. What has been evidenced is the way people create unique personal adventures, according to their preferences. This variety will only broaden, as new stalls and activities are being added every week. Some notable new ones include beer pong, trail walks/runs/cycles, and Titon Arc, a charity that unites the fight against animal abuse. On that note, pets are welcome to attend the market every Sunday. Another exciting development is the luxury massage parlour that overlooks the pristine Indian Ocean.
Everyone at Blythedale hopes you join us on any given Sunday, as well as for the Christmas market, which is held on the 19th-23rd of December.