The first vegan market of 2021 is finally taking place in Rochdale this weekend.
It’s been a long time coming, but now that restrictions on mass gatherings and events have been lifted earlier this week, the Greater Manchester town will welcome its first market of the year dedicated to plant-based, vegan, ethical and sustainable lifestyles this Saturday.
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Organised and hosted by Vegan Market Co – a popular events company known for bringing together a new wave of artisan producers and making vegan innovations accessible to the masses – the Rochdale Vegan Market will take over the town centre’s picturesque retail and leisure destination, Riverside, and feature up to 30 stalls.
There’s set to be a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing and jewellery, arts and crafts, plastic-free goods, and charity stands.
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Rochdale Vegan Market is dedicated to plant-based, vegan and sustainable lifestyles / Credit: Vegan Market Co
Ahead of the event this weekend, Lewis Beresford – founder of Vegan Market Co – told the MEN that local and independent businesses are at the heart of what the market is about, adding: “We are so excited to be in Rochdale for the first time.
“We work hard to find the country’s leading vegan producers – from street food vendors and bakers, to ethical clothing and cosmetic producers.
“We can’t wait to give all of these fantastic producers the platform they deserve and introduce them to the wonderful people of Rochdale.”
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There’s set to be a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan savouries and sweet bakes / Credit: Vegan Market Co
All created by a handpicked selection of “talented, ethical, and sustainable” businesses / Credit: Vegan Market Co
Up to 1,200 visitors are expected at the event this weekend, according to Vegan Market Co.
As well as working hard to connect the growing sustainable, ethical and vegan population with independent, pioneering and eco-focused companies, Vegan Market Co says it’s doing its bit for the climate crisis by “offsetting the carbon footprint from each event”, and planting a tree for every business that takes part.
Rochdale Vegan Market
Saturday 24 July 2021
Riverside Rochdale
10am – 4pm
Featured Image – Vegan Market Co
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Sneak peak at Vue cinema’s fancy upgrade at Printworks, including reclining seats in every screen
Daisy Jackson
The Vue cinema inside the Printworks has undergone a major refurbishment and is set to reopen in the next few weeks.
The city centre entertainment complex is home to one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe, which has also been refurbished.
When it fully reopens in early September, Vue Manchester Printworks will have luxury recliner seats in every screen – and ticket prices as low as £4.99.
A sneak peak video shared by the cinema group shows rows of smart leather seats, with neon orange detailing.
The makeover will also include a revamped retail offering, from Coke Freestyle machines to draught beer taps.
Vue has undertaken the refurbishment project in stages, so 12 screens already have the benefit of the upgraded recliner seating.
It’s all ready for audiences to watch summer blockbusters including Minions: Rise of Gru, DC League of Super-Pets and Marvel Studio’s latest adventure Thor: Love and Thunder.
Ian Harris, general manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “As the home of the biggest screen in Manchester, we’ve always taken pride in offering the very best of big screen entertainment possible for film fans and families looking to escape into the latest blockbusters.
“With our fully refreshed IMAX screen and newly installed Recliner offering across all 19 of our other screens, we’re hugely excited to see the people of Manchester enjoy the best that film and big screen events have to offer in the best and most luxurious seats in the house.”
Featured image: Vue
What's On
Manchester chosen to host British Street Food Awards for 2022
Georgina Pellant
Every year, the British Street Food Awards highlights the very best chefs from the scene – and this summer, the northern heat will be held right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Manchester’s biggest and friendliest street food operator GRUB in partnership with newcomer Circle Square, the city will welcome the Northern Heat of the British Street Food Awards (BSFA) on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August.
This year, the line up includes local favourites Unagi street food and suhi, 2020 Best Burger winners Porco and Kara’s Kitchen, who is known for serving up paellas with a twist.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
That’s not all. You’ll also find authentic Sri Lankan food from Archchi’s, Posh Street Food from former Master Chef Professional Matei Baran, Shoot The Bull, plus more from Ted’s tacos, Skullduggery, Pellizco and DOSA.
Taking place at Circle Square from 12 noon until 8pm, across two days some of the best street food traders in the region will come together for the event with a fully-stocked beer bar from North Brewing Co.
Food fans will have a chance to sample some of the best street food traders from across the region and cast their votes for the People’s Choice over the weekend alongside a stellar line-up of judges, including former BSFA champion Claire Kelsey of Ginger’s Comfort Emporium inside Afflecks.
Image: Posh Street Food
Image: Kara’s Kitchen
The event in Manchester will mark the last of four regional heats, at the end of which the winners will be chosen by the general public and expert judges.
The winners will then go on to the grand finals in London next month.
On the Friday 26 August, GRUB will also host a smaller collection of street food vendors to help build up the excitement for the awards the following day.
The weekend of street food at Circle Square is free to attend and will take place from 26 to 28 August just off Oxford Road.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd July 2021 
