The twilight ambience of the weekly Maitland Diner’s Markets translated into a party to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the mall, and along with sampling international cuisine and tapping their feet to the groovy Elvis tunes, everyone was invited to share in a slice of cake.

Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore had the honour of cutting the exquisitely decorated birthday cake as part of a delayed celebration of the mall’s 21st birthday on November 17.

He was also mayor when the mall was opened in 1988.

At the time, he declared the mall was the city’s principal civic space, was free from traffic and a place for the community to come to and enjoy.

Cr Blackmore said that was still true 21 years on.

“In our life, we celebrate the age of 21 as a milestone,” he said. “It represents the beginning of many opportunities and ... I think there are more opportunities for it.”

Maitland City Centre manager Peter Clough was behind a resurgence in the popularity of the mall driven by the Diner’s Markets and events such as the Maitland Taste and Maitland Aroma festivals.

“This is probably one of the longest operating outdoor malls in NSW,” he said. “We would like the community to continue to support it, and if they do, we can put on more activities like the diners markets and the festivals.”