Artisan markets offering everything from fresh produce to local crafts to vintage goods now take place across Manchester, allowing visitors to buy local and support small traders. Here’s a look at some of the city's best markets.
Levenshulme Market
Returning for its first 2015 market on Saturday March 7, Levy Market will again have 50 traders selling food, homeware and gifts. Products on sale will include locally-grown veg, vintage clothing, organic bath salts, handcrafted jewellery, quirky candles and handmade toys. And as shopping can be thirsty work, Blackjack Brewery will have a bar selling real ales and speciality rum.
Levenshulme Market, Levenshulme station car park, every Saturday 10am-4pm from March 7 – December 18.
Northern Quarter Market
Running one market is obviously not enough for the team at Levy Market – they’re also launching their new venture in the Northern Quarter. Three pilots of the Northern Quarter Market will run in March, April and May and will feature 30 local traders and some Levy favourites selling artisan produce, vintage goodies and homeware.
Northern Quarter Market, Stephenson Square, Sunday March 15, Sunday April 19 and Sunday May 17, 11am-4pm.
Castlefield Market
Set in a Victorian market hall on Deansgate, Castlefield Market focuses on artisan crafts and delicious street food. Returning for 2015 on March 7, it is organised by Artisan Events, the team behind the Friday Food Fight. Complementing the wide range of street food traders, there will also be stalls featuring handmade jewellery, beauty products, art and crafts, and vintage and antique stalls.
Castlefield Market, Upper Campfield Market Hall, Deansgate, 1st Saturday of the month starting Saturday March 7, 11am-5pm.
Altrincham Market
Along with its refurbished indoor market hall which is open every day and is an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat or have a pint, Alty Market also puts on weekly themed events. This includes markets dedicated to home and garden goods, local food, vintage fashion and furniture, and contemporary craft.
Altrincham Market, Market Street, Altrincham, Sundays 10am-5pm.
The Makers Market
Hosting events in Cheadle, Didsbury, Knutsford and Middlewich every month, the Makers Market brings together more than 40 specialists who create unique goods and sell seasonal local produce. Each market also has its own unique feature – from performances by DJs and musicians in Didsbury to an annual dog show in Cheadle.
The Makers Market, Cheadle (first Saturday of the month), Didsbury (last Sunday of the month), Knutsford (first Sunday of the month) and Middlewich (last Saturday of the month).
Find more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.