The Bendigo South East College campus is usually at its busiest during school hours, but not next Friday night. 

As the sun sets on the school grounds, the twilight market will gain momentum.

More than 140 stallholders will be selling a variety of wares. Music students will be performing, and artworks will go under the hammer to raise funds for Bendigo Health.

The auditorium will be transformed into a wellness centre, offering massages, aromatherapy, bowen therapy, cosmetics and herbal teas. 

Food trucks will whet the crowd’s appetite, while activities such as swordcraft demonstrations will keep people entertained. 

The inaugural event, last year, raised $9,600 for the college’s visual and performing arts department.

Organisers are hopeful this year’s twilight market will be bigger and better.

Parents and friends of the BSC music and arts department member Karen Whillance said the fundraising goal last year was $5000.

“A couple of thousand people came through,” she said. 

“There are a lot more volunteers this year – there are about 40 at the moment, and they’re still coming.

“A lot of the students are volunteering as well… we’ve got parents that have no children at the school and are coming back to help.” 

BSE students will man some of the stalls, including those of the Student Representative Council, the choir and symphonic band. 

Some will be hoping to raise funds to help with international trips, such as the chorus bound for the United Kingdom and the G’Day USA participants keen to spend 10-days on a cultural tour of the USA. 

Music and arts classes are integrated into the school day for BSE students, with the option of partaking in extra-curricular programs. 

“The music program doesn’t just stop at playing an instrument,” arts and music administrator April Chandler said.

She said visual and performing arts programs played an integral part in community building and helping the students discover and pursue their passions.

The BSE Twilight Market runs from 5pm until 9pm on October 14 at 56 Ellis Street, Flora Hill.