After Dark to activate Maitland Levee

After Dark will bring a vibrant street atmosphere to central Maitland from 6pm until 9pm.

Street food, ambient lighting, live music, and performances will attract people to the space, but Council said the end goal of the event is to showcase what is already on offer at The Levee in the evenings. 

Central Maitland’s night time economy has evolved over the past five years, with a number of new restaurants and bars bringing a more diverse food and entertainment palette to the city.

Council’s Coordinator City and Visitor Economy Martin Payne said the development of a night time economy is a significant issue facing cities around the globe.

“Almost 90 per cent of visitors to The Levee currently visit between 9.00am and 3.00pm, however through creative uses of the public space residents and visitors will be encouraged to enjoy more of what Central Maitland has to offer in the evening,” he said.

After Dark will be the first in a series of trial events dubbed “evening activation initiatives” council hopes will encourage the development of a local night time economy. 

“The After Dark place activation differs significantly from other events that Council holds at The Levee, like Maitland Taste or Riverlights,” Mr Payne said.

“Those events take over the space, whereas place activation is about creating an atmosphere or experience that literally ‘activates’ or enriches what is there already.” 

While it is only a trial, Council is hoping it will be a toe in the water for further evening activations that could take place anywhere across Maitland.

“Through this initiative we hope to generate activity that supports local business by growing evening patronage that continues into the future.” Mr Payne said.

Council said it is working in partnership with a number of businesses, encouraging them to consider extending their trading hours to help expand the offering available across the city in the evenings.

After Dark at the Levee can be found on Facebook.