Vegan Festival Organiser Victoria Bryceson says, “With the number of people in the UK describing themselves as vegan at an all-time high, there’s a massive demand around the country for vegan-friendly events. Our festivals are set to be a fantastic day out whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or simply vegan-curious. The idea behind the festivals is to educate and inform everyone about the vegan lifestyle and offer support to anybody who would like to try it.”
Each festival includes a wide variety of fantastic stalls selling Christmas gifts, world food caterers, exciting cookery demos, inspirational talks, interactive workshops, yoga, a wide range of free food samples to try, and children’s activities running throughout the day.
Food on offer includes a varied and exciting array of plant-based hot and cold dishes, including Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Greek, Hotdogs, Burgers, Street Food, Raw Food and Gourmet Food! There will also be a huge range of Christmas food, pies, cakes, chocolates, cookies, doughnuts, sandwiches and salads to take away as well as alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, juices, smoothies, tea and coffee. Plus there are lots of exciting foods and other products not available in the shops.
There will be a great selection of non food stalls at the event selling a wide variety of items including gifts, fashion, footwear, jewellery, beauty and skincare products, candles, crafts, clothing, footwear, homeware, gifts and charity merchandise.
If you are thinking about going vegan, have tried being vegan before but have come across some challenges or you’re a new vegan, the event has talks and workshops giving ideas on what to buy, where to eat, and how to deal with family and friends and to answer any questions you have about going vegan.
The festival is run in partnership with animal welfare charities including Miracle's Mission. “It’s all about trying new things and opening people’s eyes to new possibilities,” continues Victoria. “Cutting out meat and dairy from your diet is easier than you might think and many people are increasingly looking for alternatives as they want to live more healthily and ethically. They want to find out more about the new innovative foods and recipes now available and want to do it affordably. Our festival will educate people on how to do all of this.”
These events also help local homeless people, whilst also helping to reduce food waste. Stall holders are asked to donate any surplus food at the end of the festival, and a group of volunteers distributes it to homeless people after the event, providing a hot meal as well as cold dishes.
The Manchester Vegan Christmas Market takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November 2018 from 10.30am to 4.30pm, at Sachas Hotel, Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, M4 1SH. Entry is from just £3 (under 16’s free) and this includes entry to all areas and activities. Standard tickets are purchased at the door on the day. VIP tickets, £15, include fast track entry and a goody bag full of vegan products, samples, discounts and offers can be purchased in advance but sell out quickly. For more information please visit www.veganeventsuk.co.uk or www.facebook.com/VeganEventsUK
