The Whammy Markets

Overview

Ok, time to fess up. I'm pretty ambivalent about the changing nature of K' Road.

Me: It's criminal that all the artist studios and cheap flats are being shutdown.

Also Me: How did I even live without the Japanese Tapas at Acho's?

But one K' Road resident that will never change is Whammy Bar. For ten years, this concrete bunker has withstood the bombs of gentrification that have hammered the neighbourhood. It's still the place that cares about local bands and quality sound, where you can polish the bar with your arse while sweat rises off the bodies in the crowd. Think about it: ten years of sweat on those concrete walls.

They're celebrating with Whammy Fest, which includes the return of The Whammy Markets. For a few precious hours, the bar will host craftspeople, vegan chefs and artists, all selling their wares to a friendly crowd. I'll be there to grab a few items on the Christmas list but mostly to experience that old wonderful weirdness of K' Road, once again.

This is also our chance to answer one of life's great questions: what is Whammy bar like during the day?

By Haydn Kerr.