Sadler’s Yard

Make Merry in the Yard is a warm and welcoming festive gathering in Sadler’s Yard, NOMA, bringing the community together for an lunch time of creativity and cheer to get you in the festive spirit.

Enjoy live music throughout the event by the Besses Boys Brass Band while enjoying complimentary mulled wine and mince pies from Pot Kettle Black.

Visitors can also take part in a hands-on, family-friendly lino-cut card making workshop-perfect for crafting something personal for the festive season.

On Sunday 31st August, it’s all happening in Sadler’s Yard, and you’re invited.

This isn’t just any fête – it’s also a celebration of ten years of Sadler’s Yard, the hub of the neighbourhood, city’s first public square built in a hundred years, named by public vote after James Sadler, balloonist, chemist, pastry chef, and first man (with cat) to launch into the skies from this very neighbourhood.

In honour of this strange and brilliant legacy, expect:

• LIVE FOLK MUSIC

• PLANT SALES

• A VEGETABLE COMPETITION JUDGED

(with absolutely no authority)

• COOKERY DEMOS

(with pastry, of course)

• CAT PORTRAITURE

By Mr Gordo

• THE FIRST OFFICIAL GATHERING OF PEOPLE NAMED JAMES™

Bring your James to claim a commemorative badge!

Throw in some morris dancing, a tombola, and whatever local honey is going, and you’ve got yourself a proper day out.

Together We Rise is a creative collaboration visually bringing the story of James Sadler to life, 10-years since Sadler’s Yard was named by public vote.

NOMA has teamed up with illustrator, Beth Travers of BOBO1325 – a Partner at architectural & design destination Material Source Studio based at NOMA – to artistically chart the life of pastry chef-turned-balloonist Sadler.

In the first of a series of free events, join local writer Hayley Flynn on Tuesday 14 May at 12pm for a specially curated walking tour.

Hayley brings her placemaking and critical-thinking specialism to the tour, revealing the lesser known stories of the wider NOMA neighbourhood as seen through an alternative eye.

There is also an opportunity to see Beth and the first artwork in the Together We Rise series as it takes shape in a visit to Material Source Studio.

Each participant will also be gifted a limited edition print to take away.

12-1pm. Meet in Sadler’s Yard.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know with your Eventbrite booking.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

As part of our sowing and growing season join us for A Farmers Market – the grand finale of the “Where The Light Gets In: A Play in the City” Manchester takeover!

Come along and enjoy, seasonal vegetables, baked goods, honey, free-range eggs, handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and more. There will be live cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and live music throughout the day.

As always, families and pooches are welcome!