The Makers Market events bring together independent artisans, makers, performers and businesses to create brilliant markets for local communities, each with a vibrant atmosphere and lots of friendly artisan makers. Their markets operate regularly all over the North West, a well known brand hosting a wide selection of the finest local makers, bakers, crafters and so many more!
Spot their pale blue banners popping up in a town or city near you – there’s so much to discover.
We wanted to find out more about the markets they host, so read our Q&A with lead market organiser Vicky below to find out more on exactly why you should visit and support them.
How long have The Makers Market events been running?
I started running markets in June 2011, first in Bramhall and then Wilmslow, and the Makers Market has been running for just over 14 years now!
What is your favourite market you’ve ever run and why?
I actually find it hard to pick a favourite, they are all so different and unique and it’s really important that they are. The buzz we as a team get from creating a successful community market and seeing people enjoy it is honestly just the best! When the weather is dry, there’s no wind, the music is playing, the town is bustling, and the stallholders are selling, there’s a massive sense of pride and accomplishment.
Our big markets take place in Knutsford, West Didsbury, Sale and Trentham; they are vast and impressive. We have the funky markets like Northern Quarter, Ancoats and special events, and then traditional market town markets like Uttoxeter and Sandbach – there’s a really good mix, and each are worth going to!
One of my favourite memories and one that sticks with me is seeing a very elderly lady enjoying an icecream on one of our deck chairs, tapping her feet to the music. Another firm favourite is one of our brownie sellers racing back one evening to replenish his stall stock after rapidly re-baking due to a very early sell out at a Spinningfields Christmas Market!
I just love what we do, that we can be a platform for thousands of stallholders. I love that our markets bring the community together. We’ve just had the most incredible launch in Prestwich, and it was immense walking around and seeing neighbouring stallholders catching up, the stallholders being so animated and making great sales. It’s incredible.
Why should people shop at The Makers Market?
There are 3 ways The Makers Market events are helping local communities. The markets are each a reflection of their locations and local communities, so it’s really important they are cohesive.
- We’ve always felt that it’s important for a community market to be more of an event, so there is always music. This means we’re not only supporting local artisans but local creatives generally; musicians too.
- We encourage community groups to join us when possible, which promotes whatever is important to that local community.
- We’re very big on the importance of experience; consequently we’re very keen on providing free crafting for our visitors and activities to do at the market. This fosters community in itself – it gets people chatting and thinking outside the box, for creative pursuits they may not engage in normally.
The Makers Market events are each special because of the communities they reflect – it’s a creative ecosystem really.
What’s next for The Makers Market?
Our most recent markets are Ancoats, Prestwich and Accrington. Each one reflects the location and its community. Accrington is our latest and is an exciting addition – look out for more info on Pedddle about this! We have a number of stall holders that way; they are looking forward to being on home turf
A huge thanks to Vicky for this Q&A – we’d love to see you at a market soon!
Click here to read more about The Makers Market events and why they love Pedddle.