The clocks now state that it is British Summer Time – and the weather seems to be keeping up this pretence, at least for now. With that in mind, plus the hallowed four-day Easter weekend, it’s as good an excuse as any to have an extra day of the Spinningfields Makers Market, which will be extending its usual Saturday and Sunday stay into Good Friday. The added date brings with it the now-annual Manchester Duck Race on the River Irwell, which will see thousands of rubber ducks floating along to raise money for local children’s charity Brainwave. Alongside this action will be fairground rides, a petting farm and more in the Spinningfields and New Bailey area. Meanwhile, the traders (with over 80 stalls spanning this three-day special) will be setting up shop to sate all of your appetites – be it for food and drink or arts and crafts. Foodie treats include black pudding slices from Cumbrian Pie, South African biltong from Weston and Gavins and cheesecakes from Manchester’s famous Lola’s Bakehouse. For those with a mind for décor, look out for artists including photographer Ben Sedman, Dark Mark Creations and No 71 Legend Rooms. Or should your abode require a little more plant life then speak to the good folks of Garth Cottage who provide herb pots for city living. It’s not just about the eats and treats though, with all the festivities of Friday’s duck-a-thon followed by the Northern Quarter’s finest DJ Pasta Paul on Saturday and DJ Tom Malom on Sunday providing the chilled out tunes. Kick up the holiday vibe and pull up a deckchair when you’re done perusing with a locally brewed beer – or, if you really are on vacation, some gin courtesy of 3 Pugs Gin – to see out the Bank Holiday in some style.

Fri 14 – Sun 16 Apr, Spinningfields Square and The Upper Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH. 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.themakersmarket.co.uk

Fri 14 Apr - Sun 16 Apr
Words:
John Stansfield
Published on:
Thu 13 Apr 2017