Manchester Art Fair returns to Manchester Central this weekend with its biggest and most ambitious edition yet, and this year the North’s leading art fair is adding two Michelin-starred chefs to the opening night celebrations, with exclusive dining experiences for some of the region’s most committed collectors.
The fair welcomes Paul Leonard, Head Chef at The Forest Side, and Ollie Bridgwater, Executive Chef at the Gilpin Hotel, who will work alongside Manchester Central’s Exec Chef Matthew Hagan to create bespoke menus for the Collectors’ Dinner and Buyers’ Lunch. Both events bring together the individuals who consistently support artists and galleries across the North, and mark an elevated new chapter for Manchester Art Fair.
Selected by the fair’s Exec Chair, Thom Hetherington, the chefs will provide a selection of sumptuous dishes for the two events which bring together individuals who consistently support artists and galleries across the North.
Speaking about the new additions, Hetherington said: “It’s incredibly important that we establish a community of art buyers and collectors
in the North of England, to prove to the region’s artists that they don’t need to be in London to build their career, and to ensure that they can live and work up here”,
“When collectors go to international art fairs like Frieze or Basel they would be hosted in incredible pop-up restaurants like Maison Francois and Jikoni. We felt that Northern art collectors deserved a similar experience, and in fact, considering the incredible chefs in our region, why not aim for the stars.”
Manchester Art Fair has grown significantly since its launch in 2008. More than 122,000 visitors have passed through its doors and over 7.8 million pounds worth of art has been sold, contributing to a thriving community of Northern buyers, collectors and patrons. Fair Director Sophie Helm says the continued growth proves something that many doubted when the event first launched. “We were told we would never sell art up North, as if there was not enough money or appetite. Seventeen years later we know that is not true, and we know there are many more people out there who could be part of this community.”
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Alongside the culinary offering, the 2025 fair takes over Manchester Central its biggest, boldest line-up to date: more than 170 exhibitors will showcase the work of over 600 artists, with returning favourites appearing alongside first-time participants. Manchester’s Saul Hay Gallery, Bristol’s Hidden Gallery and the expressive work of Linton 59 Gallery lead the roster of established exhibitors, while individual artists include Laura Jordan, whose work spans painting, sculpture and editioned prints, and Zoe Anker, who combines screen printing, vivid colour and geometric forms to create distinctive contemporary pieces.
Visitors can explore a busy programme of talks, demonstrations and workshops. Hot Bed Press will once again host an active printmaking area and Cass Art will provide creative activities for families. Alongside the main fair, The Manchester Contemporary offers attendees a chance to discover emerging and critically engaged artists through galleries like The Sunday Painter, ARCADE, Copperfield, Seventeen and Kate MacGarry.
Manchester Art Fair opens with a special Preview Evening on Fri 21 Nov from 5-9pm, then continues on Sat 22 Nov from 10am-6pm and Sun 23 Nov from 10am-4pm.
Tickets start from £12 for day passes, £15 for a two-day ticket, or £25 for a preview night ticket, including access
throughout the weekend. Book yours below.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 20 Nov 2025
