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)
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Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Rochdale’s popular Feel Good Festival is set to return this summer
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Worried you might have missed your chance to attend a festival this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is one of the longest-running and best-value festivals in Greater Manchester, and luckily for us, it’s returning again with a star-studded main stage line-up this August.
On Saturday 8 August, you’ll have the chance to see some big names bringing sing-along anthems to Rochdale, like two-time BRIT Award winner and pop/soul legend, Gabrielle, who has recently gained a whole host of younger fans during performances on ITV’s The Masked Singer eagerly awaiting this performance.
Other headliners include Northern Irish rock band, Ash, and Wigan-formed alternative rock band Starsailor, attracting fans from far and wide.
You can also expect sets from soul and funk pioneers, The Allergies, and Manchester indie artist, Alex Spencer – who first gained attention busking on the streets and has gone on to support One Direction star Louis Tomlinson across European arenas earlier this year.
This festival also proudly showcases upcoming artists too, and this year, two new Rochdale bands will play the biggest gig of their careers – K-ESTATE, who will be adding some house-pop, funk, and indie disco to the mix, alongside brand new rock band, Metro.
Rochdale’s popular Feel Good Festival is set to return later this summer / Credit: Supplied
Festival gates open at 12pm, so be sure to get down early as there’s plenty going on, including live music across indoor venues, a food and drink village with delicious street food, pop-ups, bars, and much more.
The bi-annual festival is organised by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council with sponsorship from local businesses, including Premier Kia, The Royal Toby Hotel, Hopwood Hall College, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
This is a climate-conscious festival, so to minimise waste on the day, tickets include a reusable drink cup to be collected upon arrival at the festival site.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 8 August, and tickets are available online for £35 each.
If you’re feeling like treating yourself, there’s a choice of two luxury VIP upgrade packages from only £90, which grants access to a private indoor bar, hot street food table service, indoor and outdoor seating, a viewing terrace, as well as toilets and rest areas.
Emily Sergeant -
11th February 2022 
