NQ Makers Market is back with a bang this weekend

Expect the best array of arts, crafts and wholesome handmade food this Sunday when independent artisans, designers and musicians come together in Stevenson Square to share and care and inspire.

If you’re a huge fan of art and all things Etsy but not a huge fan of extra shipping costs, this event is the answer to all of your prayers. Plus, it might just help you through your last minute Valentine’s gift panic.

Skip standing in hour long lines and fighting over the last rose gold picture frame in favour of rifling through locally sourced goods with a drink in one hand and a gourmet burger (or vegan pie) in the other.

There’s a bevy of art stalls, modern craft and vintage from the likes of No71 Legend Rooms, Eclectic Creations by Jo, and Rustic Plank. Pick from the pretty bouquets of Tangled Up In Blooms or a soy wax scented candle from The Naked Candle Co.

Sustenance will be provided via open topped growlers from Cumbrian Pie, doorstop sized brownies from Ian Treats, cheese wheels from Cheshire Cheese, vegan pies from Vegan Pie Co, handmade stuffed bread from Hot Stuffed, sweet and savoury treats from Vanillis, authentic South African biltong from Weston Biltong and, of course, let’s not forget the finest handmade sauces from Daddy Cools. In other words, there’s plenty to satisfy every taste, sweet tooth and homemade craving.

If you’re a street food fan – and, quite frankly who isn’t? – there’s plenty of fare to get those taste buds tingling. Wrap your hands around a piping hot German smoked bratwurst from the Dog Haus, or maybe the handmade gyoza from Wallace and Sons is more up your street. Whatever you fancy, What’s Your Beef? are bound to change the game with their bad boy burgers.

There’s plenty of booze to peruse now that #DryJanuary is over. Head down to the Rose Cottage Gins, Buxton Cake and I Love Vodka stalls and stock up with the best gin, vodka and beer in town. If all of this isn’t enough, the soundtrack for the event is provided by NQ’s legionary Pasta Paul DJ so you can boogie to beats between rounds of the eclectic market stalls.

So, if you’ve lost your shopping motivation, a stroll around this market might help you find it. Chat to the vendors, bag yourself a gift, and stock up on some booze. If you’re not one for shopping, head down and sample the goods from cheese to chocolate, puddings to pies and some seriously palatable street food. There really is something for everyone.

This event goes down this Sunday 12 February from 11am till 5pm in Stevenson Square. See you there.