POPULAR Ballarat market The Design Exchange will set up shop for one event only this year - but organisers are working to ensure this one-off event makes a big impact.
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The Design Exchange will return to Ballarat in a two-day event this weekend, featuring an evening exchange with the chance to enjoy a wine, some Great Ocean Road Gin or Timboon Railway Shed Distillery whiskey while sheltering and shopping out of the cold.
Exchange founder Lyndelle Flintoft, who grew up in Ballarat, wanted to tie-in this year's market with Ballarat Winter Festival. This will mean no traditional Christmas Exchange market but Ms Flintoft said this had instead allowed more time to make for a great winter event at The Mining Exchange.
"We've done lots of promotion. We really want it to work for Ballarat," Ms Flintoft said.
We're hoping everyone will come out and go ice-skating then wander over for a shop or something to eat.
"The evening we want to look great at night, a winter wonderland, where it's all cozy and people can relax with a drink and have a shop."
Ms Flintoft has spent months curating the right mix for what will be The Design Exchange's 10th year of putting emerging artisans on show at The Mining Exchange.
The event will feature about 55 designers, including a collection from major design markets in Melbourne.
Ms Flintoft said The Design Exchange was fortunate to have such a high-calibre of designers on show, setting up for Saturday evening and staying on for Sunday.
Popular addition The Bakers' Exchange, introduced to the market last year, will return with a range of sweet comfort food from doughnuts to cupcakes.
In a new move, naturopaths will be on site at The Design Exchange with advice for a variety of health and well-being queries, including winter ailments.
Ms Flintoft said it was exciting to have the team from Daylesford Apothecary on board for a different offering to the market.
For Ms Flintoft, it has been lovely how the event has unfolded and evolved with the region's progressive, creative culture.
The Design Exchange is a sister event to the Nightjar Festivals in Geelong and Torquay, best known for their mix of food and live music in the summer.
The Design Exchange will be Saturday 4-9pm and Sunday 10am-3pm at The Mining Exchange.
Full list of designers: thedesignexcahnge.com.au or Instagram.
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