BUILDING TAKEOVERS
BUILDING TAKEOVERS
Our annual building takeovers are a cornerstone of our mission. We purposefully choose unconventional venues, turning them into vibrant, inclusive spaces where Black businesses and talents shine. Through these events, we aim to forge lasting connections with the venues and the Black community. Our goal is to create environments where attendees feel empowered and celebrated, fostering comfort and participation in venue events beyond our takeovers. Join us in celebrating diversity, supporting Black-owned businesses, and building bridges within our community.
Winter Wonders
at Aviva Studios home of Factory International
December 2023, our annual festive event expanded to Aviva Studios, showcasing the wintery enchantment of the holiday season. With over 65 Black-owned businesses, it was a magical celebration of Black joy, culture, and community. Over 2000 visitors joined us for this unforgettable experience.
A freshers fair takeover
at Manchester Metropolitan University Union
September 2023, we ventured into University territory and took over The Union. It wasn’t just an opportunity for students to go on a shopping spree; it was all about solidarity and support, intentional spending, supporting local, independant, Black-led businesses. There were offers and discounts for accessible empowerment, and we partnered up with well know hair specialists The Hair Sanctuary to offer live braiding services, Xtreme HipHop professional Kezia as well as steelpan soloist Zolatec. An unfortgettable day!
In December 2022, we returned to Contact Theatre for our yearly festive bash, but this time we kicked it up a notch! We brought in more traders and stalls, set up a chill-out zone featuring movies, and served up delicious East African cuisine from House of Habesha. It felt like coming full circle—from our very first event there to now taking over the Contact Castle with pure fun, good vibes, and a strong sense of community. We had over 3000 of you joining us to support our traders, and, of course, Melanin Santa was there spreading joy with gifts! 🎅🏾✨
A festive throw down
at Contact Theatre
In October 2022, we launched The King Edition, spotlighting Black men in business, and we took over HOME Mcr. Drawing over 4000 attendees, we celebrated 40 businesses with an array of food, art, fashion, and more.
We also partnered up with local musician Abnormal Sleepz, to curate a transformative programme centered around music and mental well-being. Swiss, an internationally acclaimed activist and musician, headlined as our guest speaker, hosting a captivating Q&A.
With special support from local Manchester hospitality business ARMR.
The king edition
at HOME Mcr
May 2022, we transformed The Great Hall at the Royal Exchange Theatre into a vibrant space for Melanin Markets. Historically significant, this venue was once a cotton and textile exchange, a symbol of exclusion for Black communities then and difficult space to diversify now.
We came in and transformed it with over 50 businesses showcasing their products and services, alongside live DJ sets, podcasts, and a black history archive wall. An empowering event!
RE-WRITING THE PAST
at the Royal Exchange Theatre
melanin markets
at Contact Theatre
December 2021 saw our very first building takeover with 50 Black-owned businesses taking over Contact Theatre, with over 2000 of you coming out to support us. A truly stunning day, solidfying our values and mission - topped off with a visit from Melanin Santa!