General News
20 October, 2026
Unhappy markets row
STALLHOLDERS are seeking refunds after repeated venue changes for The Happy Market Cairns Christmas event, with organiser Alexa Santos confirming that some payments remain outstanding.
The event, scheduled for 12 December, was initially planned for Cannon Park before proposed arrangements at Raintrees Shopping Centre and at Watson's Oval fell through.
Tablelands Christmas tree grower Brian Hampton, from Alive Christmas Trees, said he paid $165 for a stall at Cannon Park but requested a refund after the venue was changed.
He said he had still not received his money and had lodged a complaint with Queensland Police.
He said he spoke to a detective on 12 October and provided a statement, which he understood senior officers would review.
Mr Hampton said other stallholders had also approached him for advice on recovering their payments.
Ms Santos acknowledged that some stallholders were still waiting for refunds.
“A few people have already received them. A few people haven't,” she said.
“But they definitely will.”
Another business, The Soap Box 4880, publicly said it had paid upfront for four markets, attended the August event and then requested a refund after cancellations and rescheduling.
The business alleged that a promised refund had not been received and announced it would no longer participate in Happy Market events.
Ms Santos said she encouraged stallholders to transfer their bookings to future events but was willing to provide refunds.
She acknowledged shortcomings in her previous venue arrangements, noting that agreements with Raintrees and Events at Watson's Oval had been handled via email.
“So I can acknowledge that was my mistake,” she said.
Ms Santos attributed the withdrawal of the two venues to allegations that had been sent to venue operators, saying she could provide correspondence to support her account of the situation.
She also alleged she had experienced sustained online harassment and personal attacks since the August market, including an alleged confrontation at Cairns Central shopping centre.
Ms Santos said she had contacted police and sought legal assistance.
Cairns Regional Council confirmed it had no temporary entertainment event permit applications from The Happy Market Cairns currently under assessment and stressed that not all events require such a permit.
Ms Santos said the August event attracted about 10,000 people and acknowledged parking and traffic management issues. She said she was negotiating a new venue and remained committed to holding future markets, although the location of the December event had yet to be confirmed.
