Sip Shop Social Independent Christmas Market

It’s Christmas, as that big oaf gets paid to bellow every year. And here at CT Towers, we love it like we love Mary Berry’s chocolate yule log. 

Want to know what else we love? We love independent businesses in Northern Quarter and Ancoats, such as Nibble and Blossom Street Social. 

And as luck would have it, they’ve teamed up for a big old indie Christmas market this Sunday. It truly is a Christmas miracle. Here’s everything you need to know. 

These two gems have joined forces to host a one-day Christmas market on Sunday 30 November, running 12pm to 5pm. It’s a place to shop and eat and get a bit squiffy, then shop some more, safe in the knowledge that you aren’t lining the pockets of Bezos and Big Capitalism. Not here, not on their watch. 

It all takes place at the wonderful Blossom Street Social – a multipurpose bar with a stonking soundsystem and an even more stonking selection of wine. 

It’s all about local makers, creatives and festive bits to eat and drink. Prints, homeware, clothing, skincare and other such gifts. Traders are chosen for quality, not volume.

Tickets include a welcome drink and canapés from Nibble, a Northern Quarter fixture rightly praised for its inclusive approach to cooking, snacks and café culture. 

This team up stems from the friendship between Nibble founders and close chums Lauren Irlam and Zoe Vanstone (who now (wo)mans the ship at Blossom Street). The two first worked together a decade ago, and Lauren tells us they’ve been inseparable ever since. Who doesn’t love a good backstory? 

As for traders, The Fruit Moth will bring handmade accessories and clothing, This Day Studio offers distinctive bags, Print & Pigment supplies original prints and cards, while Emily Guerin looks after skincare and consultations. 

Pooch mad? There’s even a dog portrait station run by photographer Charlotte Wellings, an unusually affordable £10 for a professional shot. Snap ‘em up.