More than 180 makers and artisan producers will be selling their wares over two days when GoodMarket XL returns to Liverpool in April. Tony McDonough reports

More than 180 makers and artisan producers will be selling their wares over two days at Exhibition Centre Liverpool this spring.

GoodMarket XL is returning to the city on April 20-21 (Saturday and Sunday) after attracting thousands of visitors to its last event at the same venue in October 2023.

It offers visitors the chance to discover a huge collection of original art, prints, gifts, clothing, homeware and food and drink, as well as an opportunity to meet the people behind the pieces on display.

This event will feature a whole host of independents including local names such as OLIA Candles, JG Illustrations and Becka Griffin Art.

There will also be lots of artisan food and drink producers to discover including Eshe Honey, Get Yer Macarons, Doughfinity, DevilDogs, Coppersmiths Rum Company, Turncoat Gin and Zest Limoncello.

DJ sets by Coffee and Turntables will provide the soundtrack to the weekend as visitors have the chance to explore everything from sustainable accessories by ThatsSewLaura and Bean Blooming to contemporary jewellery from Shadow & Line.

And the family-friendly event features plenty of activities from The Storybarn to keep children entertained, while visitors who are keen to unleash their own creativity can enjoy a weekend of masterclasses and workshops including candle making.

Rebekah and Alex Frech, the duo behind the pop-up event, are both looking forward to building on the success of the first GoodMarket XL, which took place in the autumn.

Rebekah said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to The Exhibition Centre Liverpool for our second GoodMarket XL. We were absolutely blown away by the incredible response to our first event last October and this one is set to be even bigger and better.

“GoodMarket XL is all about creating a relaxed and friendly shopping experience where visitors can discover fabulous independent brands, enjoy a bite to eat, listen to some great music and maybe even get involved in a masterclass or workshop.

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“This will be our largest pop-up market yet and we’re super excited to be expanding from a one-day event to a weekend-long celebration of independents with even more makers and creatives taking part this time around. It promises to be a fantastic weekend.”

Tickets for GoodMarket XL start from £3, with free entry for children under 16 and visitors over the age of 60. There is also a VIP experience available (£15), which includes early access, a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival and an exclusive tote bag. Click here for more information.