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Best vintage fairs in Manchester

Creative Tourist

For everything from classic furniture designs to one-off clothing finds, use our roundup of the best vintage fairs in Manchester.

Manchester has the usual collection of high street shops on Market Street and in the Arndale, as well as higher-end designers around King Street – but the offer isn’t terribly exciting. It’s why the independent shops in the Northern Quarter are a draw, and why the pre-loved fashion, records and ephemera shops in the area are so popular. We’ve got a whole guide to the best vintage shops in the city, and thought it was about time to check out the flourishing vintage fairs popping up here, too. So, here’s a round up to whet your appetite for the clothes and bric-a-brac of yesteryear.

Our top picks

Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 0FE - Visit now

The historic Victoria Baths just off Oxford Road hosts a regular event that it describes as a “mecca” for vintage homewares and furniture from  a variety of different eras. If you want your home to look retro-unique, this is the fair to root around in.

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Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths

Vintage Village in Stockport

Vintage Village in Stockport, Stockport Covered Market Hall, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EU - Visit now

This award-winning fair inside Stockport’s Victorian market hall has been running for a long time but remains as popular as ever. On the second Sunday of every month, some 70 traders set up stall and sell everything from vintage fashions and furs to retro homewares, small antiques, collectibles, old prints and Victorian postcards. .

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Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX - Visit now

In this sporadic pop-up fair, there’s a eclectic mix on sale you can find everything from men and women’s clothes and accessories through to vinyl, books, collectibles, curios and furniture. Spread over two days, the cathedral offers an all-round experience, with a big-band playing ‘50s swing music, a pop-up tearoom, fashion show and even a beauty parlour to get styled in that authentic 1940s look. And don’t forget to sip a martini in the gin parlour for a spot of mid-afternoon decadence!

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Manchester Cathedral. Illustration by Simone Ridyard.

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, Manchester

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, Manchester, Royal Mills, Redhill Street, Manchester, M4 5BA - Visit now

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair claims to be the UK’s most famous – it pops up all over the country. Prices at Judy’s are indeed affordable, particularly the homewares – including everything from tea sets to kitchenalia. . There are around 50 stalls to rummage through, whether you’re after ‘60s accessories or vinyl and ephemera. Enjoy the pop-up cake stall while visiting, too.

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Where to go in Manchester

Manchester
Shop
Village Books

Village Books on Oxford Street is a cultural utopia. Offering a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography.

Manchester
Shop
House of Books & Friends

Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.

Manchester
Shop
Bags of Flavour

Bags of Flavour is the Northern Quarter’s answer to high end vintage with high quality exclusive garments and accessories.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Manchester
Shop
Want Not Waste

Want Not Waste is a student-run, not-for-profit zero waste shop operating out of Academy 1 at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.

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Ancoats General Store serves the local community as a sustainability-focused convenience store stocking craft products, locally-sourced wares and top tier vegan produce.

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Goodness Zero Waste

On a mission to help making a difference more convenient, Urmston’s Goodness Zero Waste is a great spot to shop sustainably for food, beauty and household products.

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Manchester
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Stretford Foodhall

A one-stop-shop, Stretford Foodhall is a place for those who like to eat, drink and shop with a guilt-free conscience. Whether you fancy visiting to sample some delicious street food or to top up your refillable containers, Stretford Foodhall is well worth a visit.

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