The UK’s biggest art fair returns to Manchester with its biggest edition to date

The UK’s biggest art fair is back in Manchester this November, returning with its biggest edition yet.

Taking over Manchester Central from Thu 19 Nov – Sun 22 Nov, Manchester Art Fair will bring together more than 600 artists and 180 exhibitors for an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art, spanning world-renowned names and exciting emerging talents.

Attracting more than 10,000 visitors annually and drawing collectors and enthusiasts from all over the country, the fair has become a major fixture in the UK creative calendar, cementing Manchester’s status as a leading destination for culture and the arts.

Now spread over four days, the extended format responds to continued demand, giving visitors an extra day to discover, experience and buy art, complemented by an enhanced cultural and lifestyle programme. The fair’s always popular Preview Night will now take place on Thursday evening, opening an expanded programme of art, talks, workshops and new experiences across the four days.

Leading the line-up of the new programme are Manchester Art Fair’s Art Masterclasses, created for developing artists looking to advance their creative practice through expert-led, in-depth tuition from Bullclough Art School. Taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the two-hour sessions will offer a more immersive opportunity to learn and develop, with places priced at £110 per person.

The new experiences will sit alongside a rich programme of artist talks, panel discussions, Q&As, live demonstrations and hands-on creative workshops, offering opportunities to hear directly from leading artists, critics and curators and explore different creative practices.

Elsewhere, The Manchester Contemporary presents a carefully curated selection of independent galleries and artist-led spaces from across the UK and internationally, providing an important platform for emerging artists and an opportunity for collectors and curators to discover new talent.

A dedicated Collector Programme will also offer guided tours, social events and expert introductions, helping established and newer buyers discover new work and connect with artists, galleries and fellow collectors. The acclaimed Art Talk programme will return with another packed line-up of artists, cultural figures and commentators, to be revealed in the coming weeks.

For anyone wanting to extend their time at Manchester Art Fair, official Hotel Partner Mollie’s Manchester will be offering a 15% preferential rate across the event weekend.

Sophie Helm, Director at Manchester Art Fair, said: “Manchester Art Fair has always been driven by a belief that exceptional art should be exciting to discover, rewarding to collect and accessible to everyone – whether you are an established collector or considering your first purchase.

“The fair has grown significantly, both in scale and in the breadth of people it attracts, and the move to four days is a natural progression. It gives our galleries and artists an even stronger platform, while creating more time for visitors to discover work, meet the people behind it and enjoy everything the fair has to offer.

“From our new Art Masterclasses and programme of VIP lunches to the return of Art Talk and our wider workshop programme, we want Manchester Art Fair to be somewhere people come not simply to see and buy exceptional art, but to spend time, be inspired and enjoy being part of it.”

Tickets to this year’s Manchester Art Fair are on sale now, priced at £15 for a day ticket with return entry, or £25 for a preview night ticket which includes access throughout the weekend. Book yours below.