Do we dare utter the C-word yet? Well, the cat’s out of the bag, Christmas is coming.
But instead of flooding Amazon with next-day delivery orders this year, why not shop small and support our city’s independent makers, bakers and creatives?
The best way to do so is to check out one of Manchester’s local markets—and this city has plenty of them. Better yet, due to a flurry of new crafty businesses born out of the pandemic, Manchester’s markets are bigger and better than ever.
Take a look below to see what’s coming…
Born out of a need to support independent retailers post-pandemic, the Pop Up Club has officially renewed its spot on Manchester’s King Street. Back in the city until Christmas Eve, the overall aim of the project is to highlight and promote artists, designers and small businesses alike who all have a core mantra of eco-friendliness and sustainability. So, you can shop without the eco-guilt this Christmas.
As well as their wonderful store in the city centre, The Pop Up club are also set to host a festive market in Deansgate Square. Taking place over three consecutive weekends, it’s the first of its kind for Manchester, so definitely worth checking out.
The perfect opportunity to stock up on winter layers—Worth The Weight Vintage Kilo Sale returns to Stockport Town Hall this weekend! Whether you’re looking to pile up on winter woollies, or just after some sustainably sourced clothing, kilo sales are the perfect event for getting a bargain.
Priced at just £15 per kilo, you can find timeless classics and 90s sportswear in pristine condition, at the fraction of the price. All you have to do is fill up your (recycled) plastic bag and weigh it at the end.
The event is ticketed but there’s an option to pay on the door too.
On the hunt for new clothes? Forget fast fashion brands—who wants to risk getting stuck in the Market Street mob anyways…
Instead, why not head over to Cheetham Hill, and take part in this first-of-its-kind fashion fair—put together by a handful of creatives from The Yard. The fair aims to highlight fashion vendors with ethical motives, who focus on creating sustainably made garms. Better yet, you don’t even have to pay for entry.
This one is a firm favourite with locals, finding a home in the train station car park. A one-stop shop for food, homeware, art and accessories, Levy Market is practically bursting with brilliant independent sellers from all over the North West. Taking place every Saturday on Bridgeford Street, you’ve got just six weekends left to grab your Christmas goodies from this crafty haven.
The cosiest of markets is of course the Festive Winter Fair at Victoria Baths. A wide range of hand-selected stalls will decorate this gorgeous, grade II listed building, selling handmade jewellery, artwork, ceramics and food.
There’ll also be a choir to set the soundtrack for your shopping strolls, and Tea Room volunteers will be on hand to deliver sandwiches and cakes, tea and coffee, mulled wine and mince pies. With choirs singing, it’s the perfect event to get you in the mood for the festive season ahead.
This winter, Grub will be hosting their very own Christmas makers market, in collaboration with Manchester pop-up planners Every Which Way. For a full four weeks, you can find a specially made retro Christmas living room, full to the brim of independent makers and handmade treats. We already know this is going to be a market like none other you’ve ever seen.
The Ancoats Pop-Up has well and truly settled into its new home at Cutting Room Square—now with extra space for even more makers. Regular faces include Dog Cake Co, Hoop and Fred and North and Soy candles. Foodwise, we’re looking forward to trying out some plant-based comforts from Herbie’s Homemade.
These guys sure know how to throw a party. With a myriad of stalls selling all sorts of different crafts, food and art, Manchester’s makers markets are the ideal destination for some Christmas shopping.
Better yet, not only do these markets showcase the best new creatives from across Greater Manchester, there’s also a strong chance that you’ll see some cute dogs too. What more reason do you need?
The lineup is as follows…
Northern Quarter
Sunday 14th November
Sunday 12th December
Stockport
Saturday 13th November
Saturday 11th December
Media City
20th & 21st November
27th & 28th November
4th & 5th December
11th & 12th December
18th & 19th December
Chorlton
Saturday 20th November
Saturday 18th December
Sale
Sunday 21st November
Sunday 19th December
- Words:
- Sophie Cunningham
- Published on:
- Fri 12 Nov 2021
Taking over Ancoats’ Halle St Peters from 11am, Cotton On are back with another all-day art fair. The team will be pulling together creatives from all over Greater Manchester to present an event that puts local talent in the spotlight.
Featuring over 60 stalls of affordable prints, paintings, pottery, photography, jewellery, homeware and anything else that could possibly spring to mind—this is the perfect place for some Christmas shopping.