More than 130 independent traders and artisan makers will descend on Exhibition Centre Liverpool later this month for a huge market event. Tony McDonough reports

Later this month Exhibition Centre Liverpool will host a huge market showcasing more than 130 independent traders and artisan makers.

GoodMarket XL will take place at the waterfront venue on Saturday, October 28. Visitors, who can enter for free, will discover food and drinks from artisan producers as well as art, prints, homeware, local craft drinks, clothing, accessories and gifts.

It is being organised by local entrepreneurs Alex and Rebekah Frech via their GoodLiverpool.com platform. This was launched during the first COVID lockdown in 2020 to allow small local businesses to keep selling while the world closed down.

Since then they have run regular Good Market events. This month’s extravaganza will also offer live music and DJ sets from Good Market resident DJs Coffee and Turntables.

Supported by Hugh Baird College, the event will feature businesses such as Wexbaby, Skyn Bakery, The Octopus Garden, JG Illustrations, Bean Coffee and Turncoat Gin, as well as social traders from BlaST.

Independents such as Pawdrobe HQ, Neon Moon Pet Boutique and Frenchie Fancies will also be showcasing their latest treats and accessories for pampered pooches. The Storybarn will be keeping children entertained with reading and craft sessions.

Those looking to unleash their own creativity can take part in one of the interactive workshops. These include seasonal scents candle-making with Kip Candle Co, bouquet making with A Slower Space and limoncello and cocktail masterclasses with Zest.

Alex Frech said: “We’re both extremely passionate about our city, the creative talent here and our local independents so to be putting on a shopping experience of this scale at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool is incredibly exciting.

“Our Good Market events are always very popular and we can’t wait to bring more than 130 artisan makers and producers together under one roof for a celebration of creative talent and our biggest pop-up market yet.

“This super-sized event promises to be a great day out for anyone who likes to shop with independents.”

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Tickets for GoodMarket XL are available free of charge with a limited number of VIP passes on offer (£10 per person). These include a complimentary glass of fizz by Think Wine and a goodie bag.

For tickets and further information, visit goodmarketxl.co.uk or follow @goodmarket_xl on Instagram.