Vegan market returns for bigger and better festive edition

Date published: 12 December 2021

Rochdale’s first-ever fully-vegan market in the hot summer was a resounding success – and the organisers are back with an even bigger and better market for Christmas.

The Vegan Market Co will return to Rochdale town centre’s Riverside Walk just in time for Christmas, with a carefully handpicked range of talented businesses.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, dairy- or egg-free, or just curious about adopting a more ethical lifestyle, the Vegan Market Co has something for everyone.

Enjoy a delicious variety of street food, artisan bakes, craft cheeses – if you can think of it, you can bet it has been given a cruelty-free and ethical makeover, without compromising on flavour – yes, really!

The festive event this December will feature a variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, small-batch soapers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities, plus loads more.

Luscious plant-based dishes on offer from the likes of local favourite Bombay Brew, LotusV, MCSTREETFOOD, The Veggie Deli and Vegan Junk include wraps, burritos, calzones, Philly cheesesteaks, kebabs, and the classic sausage and egg muffin, plus Mauritian-inspired sweet and baked goods, and oriental dishes. If you fancy recreating your favourite dish at home, look to Bonnie Yau’s all-natural and free-from oriental dipping and stir-fry sauces and chow mein noodles.

Try crazy hot sauce from Atomic Sauces – if you dare!

And if you have a sweet tooth, fear not! Vegan versions of classic chocolate bars, bespoke doughnuts, Viennese whirls, cookie sandwiches, Turkish delight, brownies and cupcakes can be found throughout the market – after all, it is Christmas. Look for Jessica’s Vegan Delights, Planet Doughnut and The May Bakery for all your dessert needs.

Whilst most of us expect to receive some ‘smellies’ at Christmas, you can rest assured that any skincare products and cosmetics on sale at the vegan market have never been tested on animals, with many being made from natural and organic ingredients. Pick up luxury face and body creams with minimal, recycled and recyclable packaging from iUVO Skincare, plus handmade skin, hair and body care with bioavailable active ingredients and beautiful botanicals by Roots Vegan Skincare.

Other delights available include handmade clay jewellery, resin trinkets and hair accessories by Ninalaboutique; nutraceuticals by My Alixir; and handmade animal-themed cotton and linen bags from Wild at Heart – with over 100 designs from cats and dogs to pigs, llamas and puffins.

And to make the event even more eco-conscious, the Vegan Market Co also plants a tree for every business which takes part and offsets its carbon footprint from each event.

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale Business Improvement District Manager, who has helped facilitate the return of the market, said: “Following the success of the inaugural vegan market in July, I’m delighted that the BID has facilitated its return.

“The market provides a fabulous opportunity to find some unique Christmas gifts for your eco-conscious and vegan friends and family – or just to treat yourself!”

Rachel Byrne, Centre Manager of Rochdale Riverside, added: “Working in conjunction with the Business Improvement District, it’s great that the vegan market is returning. 

“The reaction to the announcement of the market returning has been really positive and I’m sure it will be a huge success.”

The Rochdale Festive Vegan Market takes place from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturday 18 December.