With veganism rocketing in recent years, there is a growing demand for conscience-clear Christmas celebrations.
If you adhere to a plant-based diet, the overwhelming smell of hog roasts can be off-putting when you want to buy a novelty bauble, so an entirely vegan Christmas market might sound perfect.
According to a survey by comparethemarket.com, 3.5million UK citizens now identify as vegan, and a suggested 7 million people are vegetarian.
Cutting meat consumption is actually the number one way to slow climate change, so it’s no surprise people are making the change, with a whole host of vegan companies rising to popularity.
Manchester is the birthplace of perhaps the most famous vegan, Morrissey, making it the perfect location to host these ethical Christmas events.
This year in the northern city, there will be plenty of events for those who choose to avoid the Bratwurst.
Vegan Events UK are showering the country with their vegan Christmas markets, hitting Britannia Sachas Hotel in Manchester on the 17th and 18th November.
With more than 80 stalls each day, cookery demos, inspirational talks and interactive workshops, and at only £3 per ticket, this event is set to be very popular.
Vegan YouTube advocate Bob Love AKA Vegan Geezer is on the list to give a talk at this festival about how to put veganism on the map.
Tickets are available here.
Another cruelty-free market that’s a little closer to Christmas takes place on the 1st and 2nd of December at Victoria Baths.
This event is raising money for Manchester homelessness charity Barnabus, and has an array of Christmassy fun, including food stalls, a Santa’s grotto, a wine bar and festive live music.
Tickets cost just £5 and include a mulled wine or hot chocolate, which will definitely get you in the festive spirit.
You can purchase tickets online here.
Pigs in blankets, turkey and roast beef are all staple components in many families’ Christmas dinners, but perhaps attending one of these vegan events will encourage people to take a more sustainable approach to Christmas dinner, and cut their meat consumption.
However, it’s not just food to think about; everybody will receive a toiletry gift set or some clothes this Christmas, but are they cruelty free?
These events will also provide alternatives to high-street cosmetic brands that still test on animals, as well as selling animal-friendly fashion.
Vegan Christmas markets could be the perfect start to your vegetarian or vegan diet, giving you that nudge to take the conscious route.
