The North of England’s most exciting craft event returns to Manchesters stunning Victoria Baths over the weekend of 17-20 October! Meet and buy from over 200 makers, all selected for their excellence by a panel of respected experts from the sector.
Book your advance tickets at greatnorthernevents
Now in its 17th year, the award-winning GNCCF brings us crafted items from designer makers at the top of their game as well as the best of what’s new.
Expect a diverse range of talents, stories and objects from independent, professional makers including jewellers, ceramicists, furniture-makers, textile and glass artists, metalsmiths and printmakers. As ever, all exhibitors have been handpicked by a panel of craft experts to ensure the best in handmade design and craftsmanship, which the GNCCF is renowned for.
This is a rare chance to buy some genuinely individual pieces direct from the artists and talk to them about their work and the inspirations that guide them.
Highlights for 2024 include:
• The acclaimed Great Northern Graduates Showcase - a taster of this year’s best up-and-coming graduate work, including Sam Holmes Design – a wandering jeweller who makes work in response to this immediate environment. You might have spotted him making work at a tree in the Lakes, or a lamppost in Manchester. Keep an eye out for him around the show!
• Green Grads, showcasing innovative and sustainable design ideas to heal the planet. 20 recent graduates working in product design, craft and design engineering will be exhibiting in the original changing cubicles which flank the old swimming pools of our quirky venue.
• Work by eminent caft-artists selected for The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust qest
• Exquisite upcycled and repurposed craft objects by Design Nation’s Sustainability and Ethical Practice Group in their “What is Precious?” selling showcase, exploring what we value and throw away in today society. Prepare to be surprised and impressed!
• Exciting and innovative work by students from our Education Partners from Manchester School of Art’s Craft and Textiles courses at Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as Staffordshire University and the Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles, including the intricate and unusual art of watchmaking.
• Free maker demos and drop-in ceramic workshops. Play with clay, try your hand at throwing on a wheel and channel your inner “Pottery Throwdown” contestant!
And when it’s time to catch your breath, there’s a café on site serving delicious food and refreshing hot and cold drinks.
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair begins with a special Preview Evening on Thursday 17th October (6pm – 9pm), then opens to the public on Friday 18th October ( 10am – 5pm), Saturday 19th October (10am – 5pm) until Sunday 20nd October (10am – 4pm).
Advance tickets: £8/£7 concession (plus booking fee)
On the door: £9.50/£8.50 concession
Preview tickets: £15 advance, £17 on the door
Advance tickets are now on sale via website. Anybody who buys advance tickets before 30th September will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 4 prizes of £50 to spend at the fair.
Book tickets: greatnorthernevents