A touch of magic will descend on Toowoomba Showgrounds this August when the inaugural Woodfolk & Wildflowers market opens its gates.
Presented by Enchanted Faire and Artist Alley, the two-day event will transform the showgrounds into a marketplace celebrating fantasy, folklore and creativity.
Event organisers, Lizzie, Paris and Jasmine said visitors could expect handmade wares, whimsical workshops, and cosplay props and accessories.
“There are so many enchanting handmade treasures on offer from hand-carved staffs, intricate Fae jewellery, fantasy authors and storytellers, original art pieces, crocheted creatures, mystical outfits and so much more,” Jasmine said.
Fantasy, Folklore and Creativity
Lizzie said the idea grew from years spent attending markets with her husband through their business, Midnight Ritual.
“Three years ago, I started compiling research so we could build up to running our own, and in January I received a call from Paris and Jasmine that changed that trajectory when the three of us realised we were all on the same page,” Lizzie said.
Paris, who has been running alternative artist market Cryptic Creations Show for the past three years, said that working with Lizzie and Jasmine (her mum) and deciding on the theme Faeries and Folklore came from a mutual love of everything enchanted.
“I think people love celebrating fantasy, faeries and folklore because it provides an otherworldly escape where people can embrace the whimsical part of themselves and immerse themselves in a world where everyday stresses and problems don’t come into it,” she said.
Lizzie agreed and said, “I have also never met anyone that doesn’t get a little bit of joy out of seeing a goblin or faerie or mischievous creature.”
Jasmine added that the event offered a way for people to connect and celebrate their unique individualism.
“And who doesn’t love to dress up as a faerie or magical creature and explore curated markets, eat delicious food all while being entertained by whimsical performances,” Jasmine said.
“Picture yourself buying a headpiece from a Faerie or brushing shoulders with a Mage as you line up for a workshop run by elves. For a moment, you completely forget where you are and feel as if you have walked through a magical portal.”
Costumes and cosplay also play a role in creating the event’s atmosphere, with visitors invited to dress as faeries, woodland creatures, mages, elves and other fantasy-inspired characters.
“When you go to an event where everyone is dressed up in theme, the event itself becomes alive and each outfit becomes a story,” Paris said.
Woodfolk & Wildflowers
- Saturday, 8 August and Sunday, 9 August, 10am-5pm
- Toowoomba Showgrounds Founders Pavilion
- Glenvale Road, Glenvale
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