The bungalow at KAMPUS is set to showcase a range of indie producers and Manchester-made products. A one-stop-Christmas-shop is coming to Manchester’s garden neighbourhood, throughout November and December.
Ancoats Pop Up is teaming up with the Flat Baker to create a cosy festive den at the Bungalow, packed with alternative gifts, baked treats and makes all handmade and locally sourced from Manchester’s finest creators.
Dubbed ‘Merry Kampus’, the takeover will also include a tempting schedule of crafty workshops and masterclasses, so visitors can get in on the action to create their own handmade gifts for friends and family.
Alice Longson, of Ancoats Pop-Up, said: “People are being so much more conscious now about choosing sustainable Christmas gifts and we know that Manchester loves getting behind homegrown businesses creating beautiful things. For that reason, it just made sense to set up an indie Christmas shop at Kampus and showcase some of the brilliant Manchester-made products as a real alternative to the high street.
“We’re creating a super cosy Christmas vibe in the Bungalow, where people can come and hang out, meet the people behind the handmade gifts and indulge in delicious sweet treats whilst they’re here. Those that want to get in on action can also join the workshops too.
“Our run in the Kampus garden this summer has been a real treat, it’s fantastic to de-camp to the Bungalow and put on something special for the festive season.”
Merry Kampus – Pop-Up Shop
From Thursday 10 November, the shop will be open Thursday & Friday (8am – 4pm) and Saturday and Sunday (10am – 4pm). Expect locally sourced and dreamy ethical products, including bees wax candles and melts; jewellery and ceramics; prints and calendars; vintage clothes; and locally brewer beer.
Whilst browsing, shoppers can tuck into indulgent delights from Manchester heroes the Flat Baker, who’ll be serving up their all-time classics as well as a selection of festive-themed treats.
Stockists at the pop-up, open until Sunday 18 December, will include Neighbourhood Brew; John Douglas Gifts; Gra-Designs; Catherine Wood Vintages Wardrobe; Lorna Robey; Jive Prints; Brazen Prints; Mark Levelle; Blumeli; El Booth Jewellery; and the Flat Baker.
Merry Kampus – Weekly workshops
Visitors will also get the chance to roll up their sleeves and get crafty this Christmas, creating hand-made gifts for that extra special touch. Workshops and masterclasses will takeover the Kampus Bungalow on Thursdays and Sundays at sessions staged by different local independent business.
The run of workshops is set to include:
Thursday 10 November, 6pm-9pm
Witch King Rum presents Christmas a cocktail masterclass – including artisan rum liquer sampling; cocktail creation content and surprise shooters. Book here.
Thursday 17 November, 6pm – 9pm
KouKou presents vintage handbag upcycling – For lovers of sustainable fashion, choose a pre-loved handbag and give it a new lease of life during a 3-hour leather painting workshop. Book here.
Thursday 24 November, 6pm – 9pm
Abbey Lou Designs presents an evening of handmade homeware. Learn how to use eco-resin to make a set of two terrazzo coasters to take home. Book here.
Sunday 27 November, 2pm – 4pm & Thursday 1 December, 6pm – 8pm
Parisa Esalat Buckley presents a Macramé Christmas décor workshop. Master the knotting techniques to turn recycled rope into your very own mini macramé Christmas tree. Book here.
Sunday 4 December, 2pm – 4pm
Hoop & Fred presents ‘Christmas Spice and All Things Nice’. Join the beginner’s embroidery workshop to stitch a 6-inch hoop inspired by the delicious Christmas scents and spices. Book here.
Thursday 8 December, 6pm – 9pm
The Beeswing presents their first Mini Christmas Wine Fair – Expect 25 fix, wines, ports and Madeiras available to taste and buy. Find new inspiration for the Christmas dinner table, with wine experts on hand to provide advice. Book here.
Thursday 15 December, 6pm – 9pm
Hoop & Fred presents a beginner’s embroidery workshop. Join in as you stitch you own perfect pair of 4-inch hoop festive decorations. Book here.
Sunday 18 December, 2pm – 4pm
Crafts by LouJane presents a two-hour crafting workshop. Suitable from age 12+, you’ll get all the materials and guidance to create a cute crochet bee.
The festive celebration follows a successful run of Sunday markets from Ancoats Pop Up at the Kampus garden neighbourhood, just opposite Canal Street.
Kampus – developed by Capital&Centric and HBD – is a collection of old and new buildings, right next to the famous Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village and just minutes from Piccadilly Station. The community is home to some of the North West’s most cherished independent brands including Nells New York Pizza and Bar, Pollen Bakery, The Beeswing and Yum Cha with lots more in the pipeline.
