Midlands Makers Market to return to Leicester
Leicester is set to welcome the return of the fourth Midlands Makers Pop-Up Market, with its biggest event yet planned.
Launched by local business owner Nikki Millar, the event will take place on 12 December from 1-5pm at the LCB Depot.
The event will feature over 20 Midlands makers who are a mix of new and established creatives from Birmingham, Loughborough, Nottingham, Leicester and Stafford.
Far from a traditional Christmas craft market, there’ll be no homemade crafts or hand-made Christmas tree ornaments in sight. Instead, visitors can expect an independent shopping experience with live music and local food as well as the opportunity to get their hands on rare pieces from popular Midlands creatives and online sensations such as Taynee Tinsley, No Basic Bombshell, Cousins Collective and Silly Girl Club.
A selection of local bands and artists will provide the soundtrack for the day, including S. T. Manville, Dad Jokes and Luke Broughton as well as music from Liquid Tone who’ll be spinning an eclectic mix of vinyl tracks.
Midlands Makers founder, and owner of sustainable fashion brand, Silly Girl Club, Nikki Millar said: “I originally launched the Midlands Makers Pop-Up Market as a way for creatives to connect with each other and their customers face to face. Many of us sell our products online which certainly has its benefits but it can be quite lonely. And, sometimes, you just can’t beat getting the chance to meet customers in person.
“When I first set up Midlands Makers, in 2016, Leicester didn’t have any makers markets. So, I decided to create my own. The Midlands is brimming with so much creative talent and I really wanted to celebrate that while encouraging people to support their local independents. For every £1 spent with a local business, 68p will stay in your local economy so there’s never been a better time to shop local.
“This year’s event is a particularly special one for us too, as it’s a real opportunity to reconnect with the community, especially after the time we’ve had apart during lockdown. But, don’t think of it as your traditional craft fair, because this is so much more. There’ll be fantastic gift ideas you won’t find anywhere else, made by Midlands’ finest, including screen printed clothing, acrylic jewellery, contemporary ceramics and house plants. It’s set to be a great day.”
In addition to the chance to get their hands on a selection of contemporary wares, visitors will also be able to warm their cockles with mulled wine and festive food from Gray’s Kitchen.
The event will be free entry, but visitors are encouraged to bring a food donation for a local food bank with them. Recommended donations include long life items such as tins, UHT milk, rice, pasta and cereals.
Millar added: “In keeping with the community spirit, we’re not charging entry for this event but we would love it if as many visitors as possible could bring a food donation for our local food bank. The use of food banks has risen by 128% in the last five years and we want to do our bit to help. So, we’ll be donating all food brought to Zinthiya Trust who provide support locally to alleviate poverty and abuse.”
