We decided to make the trek back into Northbridge on Friday night for that amazing Christmas gift shopping bonanza that is Illuminites! This year, there was a gigantic manmade beach in the Perth Cultural Centre, complete with deckchairs and places for kids to play, as well as a giant inflatable snow dome and a frozen ice slide inside a truck! Talk about climate confusion!

There were heaps of different stores, hand-made crafty items, arty pieces as well as the usual amazing vintage shops. We were able to meet the amazing Kelly aka Mekel from Mekel Illustration, and purchase an original artwork from her store! We also said hi to Ann from the Whiteman Park Print Shop and took a squiz at their letterpressed goods. Other most honourable mentions must go to Rachel from Freckle & Co and Eemay of Glass Gardens terrarium fame. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a good photo of their exceedingly popular stall mostly because they were overwhelmed by customers most of the time! It was a busy busy night filled with lots of people happily ticking off their Christmas lists. We almost swooned in the heat of the afternoon sun and at the dizzying heights of retail mecca but were rescued once again by the always refreshing La Paleta icypoles!