Mini-festival meets traditional street market

My Artisan Markets share their Top 5 Manchester Markets. The artisan markets are ‘mini-festival meets traditional street market’ and they are great! If you haven't ever been to one here are some of the best finds in Manchester.

Chorlton Green Market (AKA-Horse & Jockey)

Chorlton Green market is on the last Saturday of the month (11am-5pm) and one of the cutest you will find, tucked away on the grassy green or road outside the Horse & Jockey Pub in Chorlton. With its vintage vibe, craft and food it makes it a very interesting little set-up and a lovely relaxed trip out for the whole family. This is the perfect way to shop, with the occasional live music entertainment and a safe environment for the family, you can pick up some beautiful gifts from ceramics to handmade framed art. Once you have browsed the market and the local produce you could head over to the one or two street food vendors or take a trip into the pub. Click here to find out more.

Levenshulme

Set in the blank canvas of Levenshulme train station car park, it transforms into a thriving little market most Saturdays (10am-4pm) between March and December, except for the third weekend of each month which plays host to an exciting monthly Friday night market (5pm-9pm) instead. Full of fresh local produce and a diverse array of street food, plants, gifts, vintage clothing and homeware. The craft stalls provide the opportunity to source fantastic gifts for yourself or friends and if you love the odd eclectic object for your home this would be worth a visit. Levenshulme Market is a community run social enterprise market launched in 2013 and is going from strength to strength with the recent addition of their exciting new themed Friday Night markets. They are predominantly street food stalls at this market but will be host to a few craft stalls each month, be prepared to come and have fun! Click here to link to the Market. Click here to find out more.

Northern Quarter Makers Market

This is the most bohemian of all the markets with a ultra relaxed vibe, it is the best place to spend a sunday afternoon in the chilled Manchester sunshine listening to DJ Pasta Paul in a deck chair & drink in hand. It’s one of the largest of the markets mentioned in our 'top 5' and you can find almost everything you would need for the week of food, crafts and quirky home interiors at the Northern Quarter Makers Market. Held on the 2nd Sunday of every month (11am-5pm) it’s one not to be missed. This is in fact a ‘Makers Market’ which is a company that run many markets around Manchester including the Spinningfields Market, Lowry Outlet Market, West Didsbury Market to name a few, and all of which are great to visit. Click here to find out more.

Royal Mills

This is the only indoor artisanal market on our ‘Top 5’. It used to be in Castlefield and was successfully moved over to Royal Mills in Ancoats and has even been mentioned in the New York Times. Get ready to be introduced to a whole plethora of independent talent, chomp on some good grub, gander at the amazing vintage clothes and art and relax with an in-house DJ. This year they will be collaborating with a number of other specialist teams to create a series of unique events for 2017- Judy’s Vintage will be in the space this year for a number of fashion and furniture dates. The Royal Mills Market is held on 1st Saturday of the month (10am-4pm) they roughly have a 50/50 split of food and craft/art stalls. Click here to find out more.

Urmston

This is an old market town and has just had all its life pumped backed into it thanks to ‘The Market Co.’. The locals are thrilled to see a new market return to the original site and as a result the Artisan Market has recreated the thriving, bustling market atmosphere as it was many years ago. The market, filled to bursting with locally produced foods and tantalising treats, eclectic mix of art and crafts, packed with designers and upcyclers, runs on the 1st Saturday of the Month (10am-4pm). The original wooden stalls gives the market its charming character and you will find a high-quality range of authentic handcrafted goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical and original.  Why not choose from the tempting selection of street food stalls and sit outside and enjoy the live entertainment from homegrown talented musicians. Whether it is something for dinner, a gift for a friend, a treat for someone special or simply stocking up on essentials that you can’t get elsewhere – Urmston Artisan Market is the place to visit; it’s a great day out! Click here to find out more.

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Happy market hunting!