‘Vegan extravaganza’ will bring exclusive products for Stretford event

Vegans of the Greater Manchester region (and beyond), unite. There’s a festival coming to Bowlers Exhibition Centre this month and you will not have to check a single product label. That’s because the festival is an all-vegan extravaganza (read that in Ru Paul’s voice, preferably) with over 80 stalls selling the best in vegan lifestyle goods.

Exclusive and hard-to-find products across food, skincare, cosmetics and clothing await, as well as street food vendors to keep you full whilst you stock up on your cruelty-free Christmas shopping.

Stew And Food At House Of Habesha In Manchester
Streetfood heroes House of Habesha will be on hand Image: House of Habesha

Vegan Christmas come early

Taking place on 20 November at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester Vegan Christmas Festival is a must-visit for vegans and vegetarians alike with a wide array of products on offer. As well as gift ideas and brand new products, the event will showcase a variety of products unavailable at supermarkets. A family friendly festival, Manchester Vegan Christmas Festival is free entry for children under 16.

The street food offering is a tantalising proposition too. Manchester Food and Drink Festival food vendor of the year nominee House of Habesha will be bringing its Eritrean and Ethiopian soul food to the festival. Expect rich wholesome stews, perfect for when the days get colder.

Seitan’s Kebab meanwhile, will be serving vegan kebabs on traditional flatbreads freshly made at a local Lebanese bakery. The 2020 and 2021 National Street Food Awards finalists, who can often be found on the Manchester University campus or Stretford Foodhall, serve vegan takes on shawarma, souvlaki and falafel.

Last but not least, VDogs will be serving up its German-style hotdogs which are available in Cumberland, Mexican Chilli and Currywurst forms made fresh to order.

Itreatskin Products For Skin At Manchester Christmas Vegan Festival
Vegan products galore Image: itreatskin

Cruelty-free Christmas shopping  

There’s the chance to shop local at Manchester Vegan Christmas Festival. Salford sauce makers DevilDog will be on hand for all of your chilli sauce needs, from the relatively tame jalapeno and pineapple to the extra hot charcoal and naga chilli. Fellow Mancs Gillie foods will be selling a range of Asian dishes whilst Kind Hearted Chocs specialise in handmade vegan chocolates.

Other locals include itreatskin which specialises in 100% natural products for skin complaints incuded acne, eczema and psoriasis and Northern Lashes, which specialises in handmade vegan lashes.

If that wasn’t enough, Manc drinks brand The Sea Moss Elixir will be on hand with their range of hand-crafted herbal healing and nutrient-rich health drinks with Salford’s Saco Superfoods also bringing the good stuff. Saco work with small-scale women producers in West Africa to sell a range of superfoods including organic mango, baobab powder, hibiscus flower and ginger flakes.

Love It Vegan Events Uk Competition Copyright Vegan Sweet Tooth London
Plenty of vegan treats available Image: Vegan Sweet Tooth London

In need of cooking inspiration? A new vegan cookbook will also be on sale. Bo’s Book features simple, easy-to-follow recipes with all profits going to animal welfare and education charity Miracle’s Mission.  

The Manchester Vegan Christmas Festival takes place on Sunday 20th November 2022 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets for Manchester Vegan Christmas Festival are £5 on the door with £15 VIP tickets available in advance. The festival helps raise funds for animal welfare charity Miracle’s Mission. The festival is fully volunteer run, with 100% of any proceeds going to the charity.

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longbridge Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1SN


Read next: New opening: Provence Wine Bar, Spinningfields

Read again: 'A waterfall of silky gravy' - The Old Hall Inn, Chinley, reviewed


Don't miss out

Get the latest food & drink news and exclusive offers by email.

Subscribe