July welcomes the return of the fifth Midlands Makers Pop-Up Market, and it’s set to be its biggest event yet.
Launched by local business owner Nikki Millar and supported by BID Leicester, the event will take place on 30 July from 1pm to 9pm at the LCB Depot.
Promising a celebration of the very best the Midlands has to offer, the market will feature over 28 Midlands makers, including a mix of new and established creatives from Birmingham, Loughborough, Nottingham, Leicester, and Stafford.
Visitors can expect an exciting independent shopping experience with live music and local food, as well as the opportunity to get their hands on rare pieces from popular Midlands creatives and online sensations such as Em and the Terrazzo, Growing Basil, Faulty Stone, Shop Moo Shoo, Saint Saviours and Silly Girl Club.
A selection of local bands and artists will provide the soundtrack for the day, including live music from Mike Kerslake, Nour, Humble He, Heart Sauce and Curfew and DJs who’ll be spinning an eclectic mix of vinyl tracks from around the world.
In addition to the chance to get their hands on a selection of contemporary wares, visitors will also be able to refresh their palettes with zesty cocktails, tasty treats, and street food from LCB’s Gray’s Kitchen.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Midlands Makers founder and owner of sustainable fashion brand, Silly Girl Club, Nikki Millar said: “I setup Midlands Makers in 2016, when there were no other makers markets in Leicester, as a means of connecting creatives with their customers and eachother, as many of us sell products online. Since then, Midlands Makers has grown from strength to strength, acting as a celebration of the melting pot of creative talent in the Midlands as well as an opportunity for people to support their local independents.
“For every £1 spent with a local business, 68p will stay in your local economy so there’s never been a better time to shop local.”
The summer Midlands Makers market is also being supported by BID Leicester, the city-centre’s Business Improvement District. BID Leicester Director, Simon Jenner said: “This eclectic summer market is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the huge range of creativity in the city in a variety of ways, through independent shopping, enjoying local music whilst trying some of the best food and drinks offers in the city centre.
“The BID is committed to supporting the local economy and local business, especially though championing Leicester’s fantastic independents. Our sub-brand Independent Leicester, for example, provides a platform for independent businesses to promote their brand and has helped to support trade.
“As well as the Midlands Makers market acting a showcase of local creativity, the event will also help to support Leicester’s independent scene and the local economy, through raising footfall in the area and raising the profile of the talent the city has to offer.”
The event will be free entry, but visitors are encouraged to bring a food donation for local food bank, Help the Homeless. Recommended donations include long-life items such as noodles, UHT milk, coffees and teas. Anything that can be prepared using a kettle.
To find out more about Midlands Makers, visit www.midlandsmakers.co.uk, follow @midlandsmakers on Instagram or Facebook.
