Affleck’s: the Manchester marketplace that’s a treasure trove for independent gifts
Every corner you turn, there's a new surprise waiting for you - be that a pair of vintage Adidas Sambas, a cool plant pot, or a miniature Simpson's figurine
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There’s nowhere quite like Affleck’s. A fixture in Manchester for forty years now, many argue that the Northern Quarter simply would not be what it is today without it.We’re inclined to agree.
Inside, you’ll find groups from all generations browsing its myriad stalls, each floor jam-packed with unique pieces. Stall holders here sell everything from vintage fashion and skatewear, to homeware, plants, trinkets, action figurines, personalised t-shirts and jewellery – and that’s just for starters.
There’s also tarot reading, a crystal shop, an ice cream parlour, and a homely top-floor cafe selling retro favourites, a record store, nail salon, piercing and tattoo studios, the Animaid cafe, CBD store, seamoss shop and so much more to discover.
If we’re being honest, no list can really do what is on offer justice. Affleck’s isn’t just home to everything you can think of, its walls also conceal a million brilliant gifts that may never have crossed your mind had you not paid it a visit.
The best way to discover Affleck’s is simply to turn up with time to spare and dedicate a few hours to wandering its halls. If you don’t feel like you have the time for that, though, rest easy, because we have gone and done it for you.
We’ve browsed every stall, spoken to the traders, ummed and erred, and looked for the best prices (you know, cost of living and all that). Suffice it to say, we found some absolute gems – and managed to get all of our Christmas presents from local makers for under £100. Not too shabby.
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Keep reading to discover a few of our top picks for independent Christmas shopping at Affleck’s in Manchester this December.
Lock Stock and Smokin Art Shop
Image: Lock Stock and Smokin Art Shop
Image: Lock Stock and Smokin Art Shop
A new addition to Affleck’s top floor, Lock Stock and Smokin Art Shop specialises in unique homeware with a quirky collection of bright pieces created by independent artists.
Here, you’ll find a collection of super cool Kit Cat clocks imported especially from America, alongside pieces by Stockport-based artist Neighbourhood Threat, ranging from cushions and tea towels to dad socks, coasters and more. We picked up a gorgeous mug but were captivated by a 70s-inspired Babycham cushion (and think we’ll be going back soon for it).
Another new addition to Affleck’s, situated next door to Lock Stock, is City and Bloom. Promoting sustainable, design-led urban gardening, it’s run by the very knowledgeable Mark who has a background in horticulture.
This teeny tiny plant store manages to cram a lot into a very small space, find hand-painted plant pots created in collaboration with local artists like Alice Needham-Pearmain, adorable flower presses, nature books, different potting mixtures and more.
This is one place in Affleck’s we can’t help returning to again and again. First begun as a hobby by its Middleton-based owners back in 2017, today Mad for Art can be found on the first floor of Affleck’s.
The store sells a whole host of vintage prints, ranging from vintage films and pin-ups to iconic old Vogue covers, adverts for Guinness, Martini, Campari and luxury perfumes, plus images of music legends, classic cars, food, travel and more.
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Modern Streets
Image: Modern Streets
Image: Modern Streets
Another newcomer to Affleck’s, this family-run Manchester apparel brand takes its inspiration from punk-rock culture. Featuring a host of clothing designs created in-house, it has taken over the old American sweet shop on the second floor. One to check out for any friends who like the alt, skater, or punk look, Modern Streets also sells stickers, patches and cool, alternative colouring books.
Inspired Life CBD
CBD seems like it’s everywhere now, but if you’re looking for the best quality products on the market Inspired Life CBD on the first floor of Affleck’s is a shout.
Selling 100% organic, natural products, you can find everything from tea and chocolate to CBD-infused massage oil here – with a friendly owner on hand to explain all the nuances of each product in detail. Great for easing stress, anxiety and better sleep, it’s an all-natural remedy (and yes, it’s made from Cannabis but it’s won’t get you high).
Vinyl Resting Place
Image: Vinyl Resting Place
Image: Vinyl Resting Place
The home of all things vinyl at Affleck’s, whether you’re looking for rare 7″, old LPs or some bootleg remixes of your favourite track, this is the place to hunt for it. Everything in the store is pre-loved and has been hand-picked by its owners over the course of 15 years.
We spent quite a decent amount of time scouring the folk section, which is extensive, but all genres are covered here – from rock and pop, to hip-hop, house, techno, americana, low-fi, gospel, soul, funk and everything in between. There’s also a big rack of CDs to get stuck into.
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Luna
Image: Luna
Image: Luna
One of the first shops you’ll enter on your way in, Luna has it all for the last-minute Christmas shopping dash. Mugs, beanies, jewellery, patches, accessories, you name it – it’s here.
There’s some cool stuff to choose from, but the team here is really known for their pin badges, all of which are made in-house.
Feature image – Supplied
City Centre
Inside the luxury hotel suite inspired by a Christmas light trail
Thomas Melia
Located right next to Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly have curated a new hotel stay which is inspired by one of the region’s biggest light trails.
The new Christmas-themed room has been created as a continuation of Freight Island’s ‘Twilight Trail’, so you don’t need to leave the magic of the event behind in Mayfield Park.
This huge hotel, which recently underwent a £33m refurb, has been setting out to provide guests with incredible experiences and this new Christmas themed room is certainly no different.
As well as a stunning room decked out with festive decor, you can also see immaculate views of the city centre, and even the neighbouring Twilight Trail, thanks to the room being situated on the top floor of the eight storey building.
Initially launching last year, the festive-themed Twilight Trail attraction by Freight Island is only a short three-minute walk away from the all-new Christmas room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
The converted ‘Deluxe Family Room’ is sure to put you in the festive spirit with everything from mood lighting to a real Christmas tree frocked in red and gold baubles.
How many reindeers could you count before you fall asleep effortlessly?It’s Christmas central at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.The Deluxe Family Room has had a festive makeover.Credit: The Manc Group
Once you’ve unpacked your matching PJ’s and chosen where you’ll be sleeping for the night, you can head out the door knowing you get to come back to your own personal winter wonderland.
Next on your itinerary is a trip to the Twilight Trail itself, 6.5 acres of illuminations, interesting structures and fascinating displays.
If you’re not walking round this outdoor venue with a boozy hot chocolate fixed firmly in one hand then you’re definitely doing it wrong.
As you walk through the first tentacle-like tunnel, you’ll be greeted by an on-site refreshments truck serving generous helpings of hot chocolate.
After picking up your sweet drink, you’ll be plunged into a glittering world with a dramatic Christmas tree at the centrepiece of the illuminated park.
The opening tentacle-like tunnel which spans out across the floor.You can never go wrong with a hot chocolate.The grand Christmas tree towering over the various light features.Credit: The Manc Group
You can walk over a brightly lit bridge that constantly changes colours and makes you feel like you’re walking on a rainbow, literally.
This makes for a great sensory experience for all ages as you feel as though you’re a part of the trail, walking over the light displays instead of just seeing them from a distance. Class!
The twinkling tunnel lit with fairy lights makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment and is honestly core-memory worthy.
Lighting up the city centre with the Mayfield Depot sign adding some character.Look at those lights! The fairy light tunnel which are part of the Twilight Trail.Take a walk over the rainbow bridge as you soak up all this light trail has to offer.Credit: The Manc Group
Whether walking makes you hungry or you can just smell the delicious flavours of the street food vendors from next-door neighbours Freight Island, it would be rude not to pay them a visit.
It’ll probably take you just as long to decide what food you want as it did to complete the light trail thanks to the wide variety of cuisines on offer.
From 22 inch pizzas at Voodoo Ray’s to desserts on a stick at Oh My Cheesecake, you can grasp how exciting and mind-boggling the meals here are.
Burgers were the craving of the night and we left our foodie fate in the hands of the trusty Burgerism with their ‘Veggied’ and Pattersons ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepa’ single stack chicken burger.
This is one of three plant-based options from their menu and its packed with a selection of topping greats like pickles, tomatoes and a cheese slice.
Burgerism’s veggie offering was absolutely gorgeous.Pattersons flavoursome single stack chicken burger.The veggie has officially been ‘Veggied’.Credit: The Manc Group
This little Christmas themed adventure and stay is in the heart of Manchester city centre meaning it’s close to all amenities like trains, trams, bars, pubs and those all important Manchester Christmas Markets.
However when you’re sleeping in a room that has pillows galore, a built-in TV and Christmas decorations, a quiet night in was next on the agenda and you really do feel right at home.
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly may just be one of Santa’s many little helpers and you can create your own priceless memory by staying in this gorgeous Christmas suite.
The bathroom in the Marriott Christmas room.Waking up out of bed to those stunning lights and cute tree.After your activity-filled day, fill up the tub and relax.Credit: The Manc Group
A family-friendly New Year’s Eve rave for kids is happening in Manchester
Thomas Melia
There’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event making its way to Manchester this winter that’s sure to make everyone feel included – even your little ones.
The ultimate family-friendly dance party is travelling to Manchester and stopping off in one of the city’s biggest venues, Freight Island.
Ran by ‘Raver Tots’, this is set to be an experience filled with the best in British dance music from house to garage and drum and bass, with a huge laser show, confetti cannons, and performers.
Besides being the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave brand, they are also motto masters using a slogan we all could live by – ‘Throw shapes not toys’.
Helping you dance the night away will be DJ Millz and Charlotte Devaney, who are definitely no stranger to each other, remixing tracks together and performing live on stage at a variety of events.
Both are known for their drum and bass records, a genre which they both share a clear love of. Guests attending can expect similar ensembles including some of the best in British dance music like house and garage tunes.
This party is taking place during the day meaning your kids won’t miss their curfew and can get a full night’s sleep, as long as the fireworks over at Big Ben don’t disturb their sleeping schedule.
Starting at 12pm on New Year’s Eve, Freight Island is about to transform into a family-friendly dance wonderland. This environment is suitable for all ages and all music is an appropriate noise level. Ace!
These independently run festivals are a quick-fire crowd pleaser which have attratced up to 15,000 people a time, you’re sure to be surrounded by some good company.
Saoirse Holland, director at Raver Tots, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve parties, we do a huge countdown and confetti blast so kids can experience ringing in the New Year without the late night.
“The whole family can join in the celebrations, listen to some great music and make memories without the hassle of trying to find a babysitter!”
These family-friendly party events are usually in high demand and anyone wanting to attend ‘Raver Tots New Year’s Eve Manchester’ can find tickets available here.
Georgina Pellant -
9th December 2022 
