Macclesfield's parish population was 52,496 at the 2021 census, with the wider built-up area reaching 54,345 — a Cheshire market town with one of the more distinctive nicknames in the country.
Treacletown, and a market trading since 1578
Macclesfield's market started life in 1578, selling everything from cloth to food, and even served as a stopover for peddlers travelling between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent. The town picked up its "Treacletown" nickname after an 18th-century accident in which a cart overturned and spilled its load of treacle through the streets — and from 1692 the market became genuinely associated with treacle as a local speciality, a sticky treat made from sugar, molasses and spices that drew visitors from further afield.
That market history lives on today as the Treacle Market, running on the last Sunday of most months across the Marketplace, the Old Butter Market and St Michael's churchyard, with well over 160 stalls of local crafts and artisan food — a genuinely well-loved monthly event, even if it isn't a permanent confectioner.
What the nickname doesn't cover
A monthly artisan market, however good, isn't a bulk supplier. Treacle Market stalls sell handmade and small-batch goods for browsing and gifting — not 3kg bulk bags, a vegan-specific range, or a halal-friendly selection sorted for a business order, and not on the 11 Sundays a month when the market isn't running at all.
Why Macclesfield shoppers order online anyway
Between market dates, and for anything beyond a market-day purchase, ordering online and having it delivered is the steadier option — available every day, not just the last Sunday of the month.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Macclesfield included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Macclesfield?
Yes — UK-wide, including Macclesfield, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Why is Macclesfield called Treacletown?
An 18th-century accident spilled a cart of treacle through the town, and treacle became linked to the market from 1692 — it's a historic nickname, not a working confectioner.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Macclesfield?
Not from the market or town centre — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Macclesfield addresses instead.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.