More than 200 of the UK’s finest contemporary makers and artists will gather in Manchester this autumn as the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) returns to the magnificent Victoria Baths from 15–18 October 2026.
Set within the spectacular Grade II* listed Victoria Baths, the fair transforms the building’s iconic Gala and Females Pools, Turkish Baths, original changing cubicles and Superintendent’s Flat into one of the UK’s most distinctive settings for contemporary craft.
Renowned for its outstanding Edwardian craftsmanship, with its stunning stained glass, colourful mosaics and beautifully glazed tiled interiors, the building provides an inspiring backdrop for today’s finest makers, creating a shopping and cultural experience unlike any other.
Attracting thousands of visitors from across the UK, the fair has become one of the highlights of Manchester’s cultural calendar. Now in its 19th year, GNCCF is one of the UK’s leading events for buying exceptional contemporary craft, bringing together designer-makers from the fields of ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture, glass, wood, metal, printmaking, sculpture and fine art.
Every exhibitor is selected by an independent panel of craft experts, ensuring visitors discover work of outstanding quality, originality and craftsmanship. From beautifully made everyday objects to striking statement pieces, every purchase is made directly from the artist or maker behind the work. With prices ranging from affordable handmade gifts to collector-quality pieces, GNCCF offers something to suit every budget, every taste and every stage of collecting.
What to expect at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
This year’s fair welcomes over 70 exhibitors making their GNCCF debut, alongside many of the UK’s most respected makers.
Among this year’s newcomers are:
- Welsh woodworker John Egan of Making Little, who transforms whole trees into beautifully crafted furniture and objects
- Northern Irish maker Caitlin Murphy, whose exquisite woven metal vessels blur the boundaries between textile and sculpture
- Yorkshire-based Saima Kaur, whose intricate embroideries are inspired by Indian folk art.
The mix of established names and exciting new talent means there’s always something fresh to discover, even for regular visitors.
Green Grads exhibition
Returning for 2026 is the popular Green Grads, showcasing emerging graduate talent at the forefront of sustainable design, materials and making. Housed within the original changing cubicles, the exhibition highlights a new generation of makers responding creatively to environmental challenges through thoughtful craftsmanship, innovative materials and circular design.
Beyond the stalls
Alongside browsing and buying directly from makers, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations throughout the weekend and free drop-in pottery workshops with Yellowhammer Ceramics Studio. They can also relax in the licensed café or experience the fair’s popular Preview Evening on Thursday 15 October, offering first access to the work before the fair opens to the public.
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.
“Every purchase at the fair directly supports a small creative business, helping talented makers continue doing what they love while keeping Britain’s rich craft tradition alive. That’s something we’re incredibly proud to have championed for almost 20 years.”
Plan your visit
Preview Evening: Thursday 15 October | 6.00pm–9.00pm
Public Opening:
- Friday 16 October | 10.00am–6.00pm
- Saturday 17 October | 10.00am–6.00pm
- Sunday 18 October | 10.00am–4.00pm
Tickets
Tickets will be available here in due course.
📍Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FE.
