The best: Independent and makers markets around Manchester

Founded during lockdown as a way to give local crafters a space to display their works, the Ancoats Pop-Up Market runs in Cutting Room Square on the second weekend of every month. Dedicated to supporting small local crafters the Market plays host to a wide ever-changing host of vendors. True to their name though they do run small pop-up markets in other locations, including a new residency at Kampus, so keep an eye on the website. 

Dedicated to promoting slow fashion and sustainability, the Future Fashion Fair hosts local clothes makers and designers of every style. As well as the stalls there are talks throughout the day about the importance of sustainability in fashion. The Fair is hosted at The Yard, only a 10-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station. The date of the next fair has not been released yet so keep an eye on their socials to find out when they are next popping up.

Based out of the beautiful and historic Victoria Baths, this market focuses on traditional crafts such as ceramics, jewellery, and furniture. All vendors are selected by an independent panel of craft experts, ensuring that every stall is of the highest quality possible. The next market will be running from Thu 13 Oct – Sun 16 Oct, so head on down and experience the best crafters Manchester has to offer.

Running on the first Sunday of each month (10.30am–2.30pm), the Heaton Moor Producer’s Market isn’t just a stellar collection of good, but a great community space. With a wide range of wares on sale, from food to jewellery, there is the opportunity to pick up anything you could want or need.

Hop off the train at Levenshulme station on a Saturday and you will be greeted by the diverse, bustling and famous Levenshulme Market. Running every Saturday 10am-4pm and every third Friday of the month 5pm-9pm, this market has an extensive list of local vendors. Whether you want a lino print, a delicious hot pasty or are looking for a new outfit there is something for everyone at Levenshulme.

Based across a variety of locations around the north of England, The Makers Market is a craft, artisan food and music fair that aims to bring the best of your local makers and introduce you to some of the amazing things your local creatives have to offer. The market runs once a month, but the date varies depending on location so check out the website to see when the next one is near you!

Officially Britain’s favourite market and attracting millions of visitors every year, Bury Market has cemented itself as a tourist hotspot with nearly 400 stalls spread across three different sites—the market hall, outdoor market and fish and meat hall.

A new flexi-hall, a state-of-the-art, carbon neutral, multifunctional events space is set to add to that, after the town won £20m from the ‘Levelling Up Fund’.