Mahogany Market – Christmas Edition

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

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Mahogany Market - Christmas Edition

1 December 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Cute baby with banta Clause
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired
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Mahogany Market create opportunities for entrepreneurs from within the African and Caribbean diaspora to trade within their own communities and beyond. In their Christmas edition, you can expect a festive experience where the market’s usual huge talent, vibrant creativity and the passion of artisanal makers sits alongside a good amount of seasonal cheer, joy and light.

Each of the stall holders have been expertly curated to reflect the breath and depth of small businesses creating brilliant products. From food to fashion and home decor to body care products you can find a wealth of variety and high quality gifts here.

At this time of year, it can feel like everyone is shouting at you to buy their things, consume their stuff and then buy some more things. For those looking to release themselves from the grip of capitalism, supporting local small businesses is the best way to beat the system. Markets where you can chat with the people who make the products directly and see exactly where your money is going are a much economically healthier way to engage with the festive season. Especially in places such as the Mahogany Market where opportunity is being provided to sellers who aren’t as well represented elsewhere.

As you peruse the stalls you can enter into the festive spirit with live entertainment, activities for younger market goers, photo opportunities and the chance to chat directly with stall owners. There are rumours the infamous Banter Claus will be visiting this years market, delivering gifts of joy, lols and cheer to all ages. Be warned, this is not your typical appearance of St. Nick. It’s way more funny.

We’re all aware that at the heart of it, Christmas, the festive season and all the surrounding shenanigans is about community. Markets like this, where community is placed first above all, have the power to make you feel infinitely more festive than a mince pie and mulled wine ever will. The beauty is you can still enjoy both of those things whilst surrounded by the community!

Where to go near Mahogany Market – Christmas Edition

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Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
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Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

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The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
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For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

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Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

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RJC Dance

RJC Dance, based in Chapeltown, Leeds, champions youth and education, leading inclusive Black dance in the North through national partnerships.

Manchester
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texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

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