The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair returns to Victoria Baths

Calling all craft lovers – one of Manchester’s best shopping and creative events is back next week with the return of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.

Taking place from Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October at the beautiful Victoria Baths, GNCCF brings more than 200 handpicked makers from across the UK to Manchester, with over 70 of the exhibitors appearing there for the first time.

Among this year’s newcomers are Welsh woodworker John Egan of Making Little, who transforms whole trees into beautifully crafted furniture and objects, and Northern Irish maker Caitlin Murphy, whose woven metal vessels blur the boundaries between textile and sculpture. Also look out for Yorkshire-based Saima Kaur, whose intricate embroideries are inspired by Indian folk art.

With prices ranging from affordable handmade gifts to collector-quality pieces, there’s something for every budget. And every exhibitor is selected by an independent panel of craft experts, so you can be sure to find quality pieces demonstrating originality and craftsmanship. From beautifully crafted everyday objects to striking statement pieces, every purchase is made directly from the artist or maker behind the work.

Alongside browsing and buying, visitors can enjoy an inspiring programme of talks, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops featuring exciting names from the worlds of craft, design and food. Highlights include free drop-in animation workshops using clay, food and other materials, led by award-winning designer Joe Hartley of Yellowhammer Studio, alongside acclaimed chef Sam Buckley of Stockport’s Where The Light Gets In. Plus, Flora Collingwood-Norris, whose innovative visible mending work has featured in Vogue and the Financial Times, shares the art of giving treasured knitwear a new lease of life. Visitors can also enjoy free drop-in pottery workshops and explore the popular Green Grads exhibition, showcasing emerging graduate talent pioneering sustainable design, materials and making.

“GNCCF offers a connection you simply can’t get online or on the high street – the chance to meet the makers, hear the stories behind the work and invest in beautifully made pieces that will be cherished for years to come.”

The Grade II listed setting is part of what makes the craft fair so special, with stalls and workshops taking place throughout the iconic Gala and Females Pools, Turkish Baths, original changing cubicles and Superintendent’s Flat.

Victoria Scholes, Development Director of GNCCF, said, “Victoria Baths is one of Manchester’s most remarkable heritage buildings and provides an extraordinary backdrop for the fair. The contrast between its beautiful Edwardian architecture and the very best in contemporary craft makes visiting GNCCF a truly memorable experience. People often tell us they love exploring the building as much as the craft.”

Ann-Marie Franey, Director and Co-Founder of Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, said: “We believe craft says something about who we are and what we value. Every piece has a maker and every maker has a story. GNCCF offers a connection you simply can’t get online or on the high street – the chance to meet the makers, hear the stories behind the work and invest in beautifully made pieces that will be cherished for years to come.”

Now in its 19th year, GNCCF is one of the UK’s leading events for buying contemporary craft, bringing together designer-makers from the fields of ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture, glass, wood, metal, printmaking, sculpture and fine art.

Opening times

Preview Evening
Thursday 15 October | 6pm–9pm

Public Opening
Friday 16 October | 10am–6pm
Saturday 17 October | 10am–6pm
Sunday 18 October | 10am–4pm