As well as being able to pre-order free range turkeys, the new online Stretford Market will allow you to browse locally reared food from the wide range of local farmers who have attended the market in its many forms. There will also be a selection of the best local craftsmanship with a focus on ethically and sustainably produced items.
Customers will be able to collect their order on December 23rd during an allotted COVID-safe time slot and get into the spirit of Christmas while avoiding the crowds.
Market organisers Annika Edge and Heather Garlick said, “we’re so passionate about fresh local produce and have built such a brilliant relationship with our vendors, many of whom don’t do other markets, that we wanted to find a way to help them to reach their loyal local customer base”, “we miss seeing everyone in person but this is the next best thing. It’s exciting to work with such fantastic quality produce”.
Among the range of products available will be organic sprout trees, micro greens grown on an urban farm in Stockport, bespoke face masks made by a Stretford-based artist and boutique flavoured gins from a forager based in Chorlton.
Stretford Market has been running since Christmas 2014, first as an online platform, then as a physical pop-up in a local retail centre. In 2019, the team ran their first large scale physical markets, with around 40 stalls representing their ‘farmer’s market’, ‘artisan food market’, ‘flea market’, ‘craft market’ concept and embracing an ethos of sustainability.
Bread and baked goods by Chorlton Bread Company
Their aim is to have around 50% of their market associated with food and become one of the first certified farmers’ markets in Manchester.
Nectar Bar’s Andrea, who grows and sells organic biodynamic flowers says, “I’m very much looking forward to seeing my Stretford customers again this Christmas. We’ll be offering all our usual natural and bespoke decorations for wall, door or table and are taking pre-orders if anyone would like something tailored to suit their Christmas vibe!”
Christmas Wreath by The Nectar Bar
Local resident Helen, who has been using the market since its inauguration says, “as a fan of the Precinct Market and the South Manchester Food Assembly before that, I’m really looking forward to the online Christmas Market. It’s an ideal way of safely getting local festive produce in these weird Covid times.”
The online market will run from November 1st until December 16th with customers allocated a delivery slot on December 23rd, in line with current COVID restrictions.
