Manchester Art and Book Markets

If you're feeling a little footballed-out, why not take a break from the World Cup this Friday and Saturday and head to St Ann's Square for some culture of an altogether different kind?

In one of Manchester's most beautiful and bustling squares will be not one but two specialist markets; the Art Market and the Book Market. Together they'll provide a great opportunity for browsing in the sunshine and perhaps picking up a few treats.

Whether you're looking for a unique gift, hoping to add some life to that lonely wall in your home, or just interested in taking a look at some original photography and art, you'll love Manchester's Art Market. Stalls this year will include original photography, glass art, paintings, prints and ceramics from up-and-coming and established artists. All work at the market is being sold by the artists themselves, so browsers can chat to them about their work and find out a little bit more about their purchases.

Glass artist Sarah Myatt will be one of those with a stall at the market. She will be selling a range of handmade fused glass hangings, framed artwork, bowls and greetings cards – all handmade at her studio in Leek, Staffordshire.

Talking about what makes her glass work distinctive, Sarah says, “It's different to other glass work out there in regards to the simplicity of the designs and colours. I like to make my work look fresh by employing finishing techniques such as etching and using gorgeous beads and ribbons... simplicity is the key.”

Other artists at the market will include Manchester-based photographer Amy Gibbings, fantasy illustrator Karen Hurd who will be displaying her beautiful range of fairy and folk art, and Deborah Benbrook with her truly stunning selection of landscape photography from some of the world's most dramatic locations.

When asked to choose her favourite from the incredible landscapes she's photographed, Deborah says, “I can't decide... England for its dramatic lighting, Iceland for its remoteness, Kenya for the blue skies... the list goes on. Every place has its own unique qualities. It's like trying to compare chalk with cheese.” Deborah will be selling her chalk, cheese and everything in-between at the market on Friday and Saturday, so make sure you pay her a visit.

Taking place alongside the Art Market will be Manchester's independent Book Market. This annual event offers book lovers the chance to sample new titles by some of the North's most exciting independent presses and enjoy readings from a selection of talented performance poets and authors.

Organised in conjunction with Literature Northwest, the market offers a diverse selection of works that aren't necessarily available on the high street, with poetry, fiction, photography, non-fiction and comic books amongst the literature for sale. Between 12noon and 5pm on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June, there'll be a selection of live readings from some of the UK's most exciting authors and poets.

Ra Page from Comma Press says, “We’ve got some of the greats of the Manchester stand-up poetry scene performing – from long-standing icons like Marvin Cheeseman and Jerry Potter (nee Chloe Poems) to rising stars like the truly knock-out Penultimate collective. Penultimate are like Scroobius Pip, but without the moral high-handedness. You simply have to see to believe with those guys [Saturday 12noon].

There's also a host of great literary writers, Carcanet poets like Linda Chase, flash fictionists like Dave Gaffney, politico poetics from John G Hall, and a range of new writers from presses like Comma and Crocus Press.”

For a full interview with Ra Page about the Book Market, click here.

So whether it’s your Friday lunch, your Saturday morning stroll, or your afternoon shopping trip, make sure you pay a visit to St Ann’s Square to discover what the North’s literature and arts scene has to offer.

The Art Market and the Book Market, St Ann's Square, 25 and 26 June, 10am-5.30pm.

Sarah Myatt Glass Design

Sarah Myatt Glass Design