Independent makers set for major Sunny Bank Mills Christmas market with 120 traders and festive trail
More than 120 independent artists, makers, and food producers from across Yorkshire are taking centre stage at Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills for a festive weekend celebrating local craft and small businesses
Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley is preparing to host a major three-day Christmas Market this month, offering shoppers a cultural alternative to high street holiday shopping.
Running from November to 29, the festive weekend will showcase more than 120 independent artists, makers, and food producers inside the historic 1912 Mill, with Sunday featuring an entirely fresh line-up of traders.
Traders taking part include regional favourites such as Emma White Jewellery, printmaker Ellie Way, crochet specialist The Busy Hive, local producer Mickles Pickles, and Farsley’s own Ollie’s Artisan Chocolates.
Beyond the main market hall, visitors can follow a festive trail through the former textile mill site to visit the open studios of Sunny Bank Mills’ resident artists and makers.
Free gallery exhibition, archive drop-ins and family activities
Alongside street food stalls and live entertainment in the Main Yard, the site’s Art Gallery will be open free of charge for its latest exhibition, Soft Light.
The Sunny Bank Mills Museum & Archive will also welcome drop-in visitors throughout the weekend for a suggested donation, while resident creative businesses Pots & Paws and Candy Spa will host family-friendly craft activities.
Amy Shalvey, Arts Programming Assistant at Sunny Bank Mills, said: "It can be tempting to think every Christmas market offers the same experience, but we've worked hard to make ours feel different.
“As a former textile mill, we have always been a place where beautiful products are made, so we're incredibly selective about the businesses we invite. We want every stall to offer something genuinely special.”
The site’s permanent independent food and drink venues - including Amity Brew Co., Grumpy’s Pizza, Mill Kitchen’s Bakery, and Saint Jude - will also be open across the weekend.
The Sunny Bank Mills Christmas Market takes place in Farsley from November 27 to 29, with £3.50 entry to the 1912 Mill (under 12s and carers free) and free access across the wider heritage site, open studios, and gallery throughout the weekend.