Manchester is getting a new monthly artisan market with creative makers, artists and, creators to all descend on the new KAMPUS neighbourhood.
In an exciting collaboration between the rental community and Ancoats Pop-Up – the runaway success that took over Cutting Room Square – the new monthly markets are expected to be “a glorious celebration of all things independent”, with handmade products, scrumptious baked goods, and original art on sale on the last Sunday of every month.
Those who head on down to KAMPUS for the first event on Sunday 27 February from 11:30am can expect laid-back live music, drool-inducing pizza slices from Nell’s, and will also be able to explore the pop-up stalls that will pack Little David Street – the charming cobbled street recently restored and opened to the public for the first time in decades.
The first line-up features an eclectic mix of creatives, including print artist Alex Berry, 38 Jewelry and skin care brand Lovefromdeda.
They’ll sit alongside stalls boasting vintage clothes, plants, ceramics and rum liquors, as well as established Manchester brands including Cloudwater Brewery and The Barkside, the dog lifestyle store.
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Ancoats Dough Boy and Sleepless Cat Coffee Roasters are also collaborating and taking over the Bungalow to serve up delicious sweet and savoury baked goodies, including sourdough cookies and chocolate tarts, alongside freshly-ground coffee.
We are SO excited to announce that @ancoats_popup are bringing their market to the doorstep of our residents, here at Kampus!
On the last Sunday of each month, find Manchester's best independents on your door step.
Speaking ahead of the first event, Alice Longson – co-founder of Ancoats Pop-Up – said: “Over the years, Manchester has shown big love for supporting start-up businesses, from those making bohemian jewellery and abstract prints, to beer and spirits from small-scale breweries [and] we couldn’t be more excited to be starting a new pop-up chapter at Little David Street at Kampus.
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“The stunning surroundings of the historic street and gardens are just a perfect place to spend a laid-back Sunday, indulging in some of the best brands and unique products that the city has to offer.”
The pop-up market is the latest gathering at Kampus, the vibrant new rental neighbourhood built around a garden developed by Capital&Centric and HBD.
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The new monthly markets are expected to be “a glorious celebration of all things independent” / Credit: KAMPUS x Ancoats Pop Up
The community is also set to become home to some of the North West’s most-loved independent brands, with the likes of Pollen Bakery, Cloudwater Brewery, General Store, Beeswing, and Great North Pie set to pitch-up this summer.
Adam Higgins – co-founder of Capital&Centric – added: “KAMPUS is all about community, from the residents that rent here to the indie businesses set to call it home [and] the collaboration with Ancoats Pop Up will be a real celebration of Manchester’s creative community, providing a shop window for the small businesses doing awesome things in the city.
“Little David Street had been closed off for years before we restored it, the monthly markets will be a chance for the community to come spend some time in the historic setting and the KAMPUS gardens, whilst getting behind local creatives.”
Featured Image – KAMPUS (Jack Kirwin Photography)
What's On
Giant inflatable monsters descend on Manchester again next month for their BIGGEST celebration to date
Emily Sergeant
Halloween in the City returns next month with its biggest celebration ever to mark a decade of monster mayhem.
Organised by Manchester BID and sponsored by British confectionery maker, Swizzels, Halloween in the City will be back in Manchester city centre next month once the spooky season arrives – bringing a free weekend of family-friendly fun and spectacular street entertainment.
To mark a decade of monster mayhem, the two-day celebration will bring the city to life with walkabout performers, party games, live DJs, spooky storytelling, and a spectacular roaming procession.
There’s also set to be brand-new birthday bake off this year to celebrate the big 10, and everyone is invited to join the party
But, of course, at the heart of the celebrations will be giant inflatable monsters.
The MCR Monsters are back next month / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID
The MCR Monsters have been a staple in Manchester’s Halloween celebrations for a decade now, and this year, they’re going all out across the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks.
Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and brought to life by Designs in Air, the giant inflatable creatures will make their way into the city for their longest trail to date, celebrating eight days of monster mischief over October half term from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October.
Visitors can expect a city-wide monster invasion at locations – including Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges Exchange Square, Corn Exchange Manchester, Printworks, Science and Industry Museum, The Royal Exchange Manchester, Treehouse Hotel Manchester, AO Arena, KAMPUS, Mayfield Park, and Medlock Square.
It’s set to be the biggest celebrations to date to mark a decade of monster mayhem / Credit: Supplied
Then, the big Halloween in the City Weekender will take place on Saturday 24 October from 10am-6pm and Sunday 25 October from 10am-5pm.
Some of the activities on the Weekender lineup this year include a live storytelling performance by Z-Arts in Manchester Arndale, a big Monsters Disco over in Exchange Square, a Rave Yard with resident evil DJs in St Ann’s Square, the Swizzels Spooky Sweet Stop on New Cathedral Street – which is new for 2026 – and then the main event, The Monsters Party Procession.
Designed and created by Walk the Plank, The Monsters Party Procession will ‘bash, boogie, and stomp’ its way through Market Street and Manchester Arndale, so expect dancing monster puppets, towering stilt walkers, and a six-piece brass band suitably spooky soundtrack.
And, of course, no monster birthday would be complete without a Halloween dress-up, which everyone is encouraged to join in with.
Halloween in the City returns from Saturday 24 October, and you can find out everything happening over the eight-day period online here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Emily Sergeant -
11th February 2022 
