People’s History Museum (PHM) will transform its historic Engine Hall into a vibrant marketplace this spring, as the popular May Makers Market returns for a weekend celebration of creativity on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May.
Taking place from 11.00am to 4.30pm each day, the 2026 edition of the free event will bring together an even wider mix of local makers and independent creatives, offering visitors the chance to browse beautifully crafted gifts, seasonal-inspired creations, original designs and handmade pieces.
Set within the museum’s striking Grade II listed Edwardian Engine Hall, the market’s creativity is right at home – the original brickwork and tiles of the grand space providing a colourful backdrop. Championing the spirit of creativity and community, visitors can look forward to a unique shopping experience in one of Manchester’s most distinctive cultural venues.
Taking part are talented makers from around the North West. Brightly coloured woven fabric homeware by Maison Elhoria sits alongside hand-painted ceramics by Carol Mowl Ceramics, bespoke wooden chopping boards and plant pots by service users of Recovery Pathways, and hand-thrown and painted pieces by Go With The Throw Pottery. A wide range of artists will be featured, from the colourful stained-glass creations of Hylas and the Imps to the bold, playful illustrations of Bom Carrot, and designs inspired by allotments, libraries and record shops by Emily Chappell. Jewellery, stationery, cards, collectables and gifts are also available, characterised by original and joyful design, including craft kits from The Happy Harbour that aim to bring a sense of calm. And feeling very PHM, are the slogan banners from Dinnersinthedog and the textiles of Fern Cooke, who uses traditional crafts to create pieces that evoke contemporary protest.
With the museum’s galleries open throughout the weekend, and a free Family Friendly trail, there’s the chance to make a day of it. Live music from the Hallé Ancoats Community Choir (Sunday 17 May) will add to the friendly atmosphere, creating a lively backdrop.
Food and drink are also high on the agenda, with the museum’s new café, Gather, preparing a special market-inspired menu. Pop in for breakfast from 10.00am ahead of the market opening or look forward to the selection of cakes and hot food being served throughout the day.
The May Makers Market is free to attend, with no booking required and full details here. There is a picnic area for those bringing their own food and a water station for all visitors to use. PHM has a Changing Places toilet and lifts to its galleries. Museum entry is free, with most visitors donating £10. For further information about PHM, its latest programme of events and visiting the museum visit phm.org.uk, and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter.
ENDS
For further information, to arrange a visit or interview please contact Fido PR: laura.sullivan@fidopr.co.uk / clare.short@fidopr.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About People’s History Museum
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is the UK’s national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. Through an eclectic and colourful mix of historic and contemporary collections, featuring banners, badges, posters, photography and more, the museum celebrates the radical stories of people coming together to champion ideas worth fighting for.
Offering an engaging programme of exhibitions and events, collaborating with communities to create authentic content, the museum is Family Friendly throughout – inspiring the next generation to be active citizens.
People’s History Museum encourages visitors to be empowered by the past to make a change for the future. We are all together in the fight for a fairer world.
About Arts Council England (ACE)
PHM is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). The work of PHM is supported using public funding by ACE, the national development agency for creativity and culture. ACE have set out their strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 they want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. From 2023 to 2026 they will invest over £467 million of public money from government and an estimated £250 million from The National Lottery each year to help support the sector and to deliver this vision.
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