Macclesfield Treacle Market
Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
Macclesfield’s Treacle Market has been drawing visitors from far and wide for over a decade now. Scheduled for the last Sunday of each month — except in December when it runs the Sunday before Christmas — the market takes over the streets and cobbles of the town’s Marketplace, Old Butter Market and St Michael’s churchyard, with over 160 stalls selling local crafts, artisan foodstuffs and vintage treasures.
The name nods to Macclesfield’s nickname “Treacletown”, a moniker which apparently references an ancient accident involving a horse and a wagon full of spilled treacle. Today’s market has been running since 2010, and while it has evolved over the years, there is a real emphasis on making sure that it stays local and really works to bind and benefit the local community.
Indeed, some traders don’t trade anywhere but the Treacle Market, while nearby shops and businesses work alongside the market stalls to generate a buzz that draws visitors back month after month. Look out for the Community Treacle area hosting stalls by charities and community groups, or the eclectic calendar of seasonal events (ferret racing anyone?) which keeps things interesting.
The market takes over the streets and cobbles of the town’s Marketplace, Old Butter Market and St Michael’s churchyard, with over 160 stalls selling local crafts, artisan foodstuffs and vintage treasures.
The market officially runs from 10am until 3:30pm and you really can make a day of it. Start off with freshly ground coffee and a sausage sarnie or freshly baked croissant and browse the wares until lunch. The market format means that no two months will be the same, but you may be able to find a blacksmith working a mobile forge, shop for handcrafted jewellery, pick up a bunch of fresh flowers or a box of gourmet chocolates.
After working up an appetite, pick up some street food from one of the many different vendors. From Korean kimchi, to fresh paella, delicious dhosas and tasty tacos, there should be an abundance of choice — ‘Treacle VG’ signs helpfully pick out the vegan options. Then, carry on shopping, or take a breather with a beverage from one of the licenced vendors. We’d recommend a refreshing pint of craft or a mug of something mulled, depending on the season.
