Valentine’s At Castlefield's Artisan Market

VALENTINE'S Day is the theme at this month’s Castlefield Artisan Market and this Sunday, 5 February its stalls will feature special gifts alongside the usual delights brought by local producers.

“The atmosphere, with the music, the dancing and the artisans discussing their particular methods – there’s a real buzz, and you just have to come down and experience it for yourself.”

After kicking off in October, market sellers have been feeling the community’s love despite some bad luck regarding weather on the market days leading up to Christmas. 

Organisers said they have been thrilled with the support they have received so far and they are hoping for sunny skies this weekend so that more people will be tempted to come down.

“I think there’s a real need for a market down there,” said organizer Jodie Farakhan. “The atmosphere, with the music, the dancing and the artisans discussing their particular methods – there’s a real buzz, and you just have to come down and experience it for yourself.”

This Sunday, swing bang the Cotton Town Hot Club will be playing from 1pm for a bit of music and dancing. 

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An example of the market’s Valentine’s Day offerings is the specially arranged box from Sciolti Botanical Chocolates, made by Fiona Sciolti, purveyor of chocolates and truffles using real fruits, flowers, teas, herbs, local cream, and honey. Her Valentine’s Day box, presented in a shiny black ballotin with a red ribbon, includes chocolates in flavours of scorched caramel, strawberry and real champagne and brandied (hand-picked) wild cherry.

“There’s not a single producer in the market who lets us down,” said Fiona. “It’s a beautiful market and the organisers have poured their heart and soul into it.”

The artisan market has had increasing interest from artists who want to set up their own stalls and the expansion organisers have already seen is expected to continue.  Stalls currently include sellers of flowers and herbs, vintage furniture for home and garden, antiques, vintage clothes, jewellery, objets d’art, old books & vinyl, and curiosities.

Castlefield Artisan Market is open from 10am to 4pm and is next to Dukes92. Parking is available on Castle Street.

Photo courtesy of Paul Andrews

You can read Manchester Confidential's previous article on the market by clicking here.