Nadine Dillas looked out with visible pride at the crowds enjoying the music and browsing outdoor stalls at yesterday’s Court Street Festival.

“We have made it happen,” said the member of the group Empowered Shopping Village, which organised the event.

Shoppers and visitors flocked to Court Street for the Sunday market hosted by area residents and businesses promoting the neighbourhood’s best.

Roads were closed off for pedestrians as Court Street’s first open market ran from 1pm to 6pm.

Ms Dillas said the group, which keeps the community up to date on events via its Facebook page, came together out of a common pride for the area.

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“We recognised a lot of people in the area had the same idea to come together ,” said the owner of Nadz Beauty Salon.

Earlier plans for a Court Street market had to go on hold because of the lockdown against Covid-19, but the event went ahead in compliance with restrictions – helped by a sunny afternoon.

Shoppers got to vote for their favourite vendor, and guests spending more than $25 entered a raffle.

Ms Dillas said there was more to come in celebrating the area, adding: “We are moving forward, not backwards.”