The Ultimate Event Guide.
The ultimate guide to the Mama Meet and Market Events…
Welcome to THE FAMILY SHOWCASE.
Is there anything better than a cheeky scroll through Instagram with a cuppa in hand? Whether you’re looking for ideas to keep the little ones entertained or searching for that perfect item to complete the nursery - there’s never been a better way to spark inspiration. Until now…
The Mama Meet and Market is where Instagram comes to life. The events exist to bring together fantastically creative indie brands, truly scrumptious treats and immersive experiences under one super-stylish, family-friendly roof. What’s not to love?
With the next event just days away (and bigger and bolder than ever) the questions and queries have been coming thick and fast. To help you get the most out of your day out, we’ve put together this guide with all our tips and tricks for having the best time with us.
The pre-event prep
Let’s start with the important bit. Food. While there’s tons of yummy options available (more on that later) it’s totally fine to bring your own snacks with you.
As we’re in a bigger venue this time around, there’s plenty of room for buggies, wheelchairs - plus an extra friend or three. And if you look out for the signs inside, you’ll also find special feeding and changing areas located upstairs above the Library.
New to the city? We’ve created a handy map to help you find your way around, however you’ve chosen to travel. To screenshot your own copy, click the ‘map’ highlight on our Instagram page. Easy peasy.
We also recommend drawing some cash out before you get here (there’s machines at the train station nearby and at the Derby County football ground a few streets away).
You’ll need change for your parking (find nearby spots on the map) and some of our exhibitors will only be accepting cash. While there will be a machine onsite, with so many eager shoppers about, it’s been known to run out. Oops.
The workshops and talks
Loading up with goodies not on your to-do list? you may be interested in popping along to a workshop or a talk.
Our theatre space holds up to 200 people, so if you fancy getting your geek on, all you need to do is keep your eye on the time. At this event, we’ve got talks on first aid, behavioural development and the parenting journey. Aren’t we fancy?
If cake decorating, handcrafted wooden toys or sensory play sound like your thing, make sure you’ve booked onto a workshop by clicking here. And if you’d like to partake in a relaxed-yet-private family photoshoot, find out more here.
Pssst… If you’d like to do a little shopping and a little workshopping, we’ve got you covered too. Many of our exhibitors are offering the option of personalising or pre-ordering items which can then be collected on the day. Fantastic if you’re short on time.
But just a heads up - this isn’t available from every brand. To see if your favourite shop is offering this service, it’s best to get in touch with them directly through Instagram.
The extra special surprises…
When you’re ready to put your feet up for a while, the fun doesn’t have to end. Because what’s a shopping trip without a pampering session for you and your mini me? On site we’ll have the ultra glamorous Lunula Nails and Beauty, a hair braiding bar with Braids and Blooms - and a real bar for the grownups. We’ll be there in a prosecco…
This is our biggest event yet and we knew we needed to pull something awesome out of the bag. This is where our silent disco comes in. Our friends at Sami Tipi will be providing us with the boho set-up of dreams - a mini festival where you and your littles can blow off steam with a boogie. If you need us, we’ll be in the tipi.
The Instagram takeover
Speaking of awesome, we’ve decided to do something exciting with our Instagram too. That way, if you can’t make it this time or need to dash off early, there’ll be lots of wonderful stuff for you to get involved with on the ‘gram.
On the day, our Instagram Stories will be (very lovingly) hijacked by Nicola from the Mud and Tutus blog. Nicola is a super-lovely local mama who is a bit of an Instagram Stories legend.
We’re very excited about all the behind the scenes content she’ll be shooting on the day and can’t wait for you to see what she has up her sleeve.
The incredibly talented indie brands
One of the reasons we set up the Mama Meet and Market is to shout about those small businesses that just don’t get the same love as those pesky high street giants. Needless to say, it’s why we’re excited to welcome more independent makers and brands than ever before.
But we know a thriving, bustling market can feel a little overwhelming. With this in mind, we’ve cherry-picked a few brands to get you started:
Darwin and Gray - oh so Instagrammable hand-printed banners
Duck Duck Goose - a concept store that specialises in curated fashion for creative kids
Trees Bees and Marshmallows - plant-based skincare for all the family
My bags of stuff - eco conscious totes and bags
Tobs and Ror - adorable, natural rattan furniture for children
And for the foodies out there…
No proper family day out is complete without chowing down on something delicious and nutritious.
Inside the venue you’ll find the insanely good Project D donuts, Ruby Lou’s Treat Company and outside you’ll find hearty portions of burgers and fish and chips. And don’t worry - all of our caterers have been asked to provide child size meals.
If you’re trying to be good(ish) or just want to try something new, we’re also excited to announce that local company V Bakes will be dishing up vegan brownies, cookies and cupcakes all day long. Drool.
Finally, the big thank you
Without you lovely lot showing up to support small brands, these events wouldn’t be here. So this feels like the perfect moment to send you a big, virtual hug and thank you for your support.
Your smiling faces make our day. In fact, one of our favourite post-market activities is looking through all your snaps. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and use the hashtag #MamaMeetAndMarket so we can share them with our community of amazing followers.
Still got a question about the event? Take a look at our FAQ highlight on our Instagram page. Otherwise, we can’t wait to see you there. Oh, and catch you in Birmingham later this year?
