Known for its architectural beauty and eerie interiors, Victoria Baths in Manchester has expanded in the past few years to host events such as vintage clothing markets, 360 club events and cinema experiences. But now Victoria Baths is welcoming one of its most wholesome ventures, hailing in the spring season with the returning SpringFest!
Transforming the famous pool halls at Victoria Baths into a cultural hub celebrating art and music from across Greater Manchester and beyond, SpringFest will bring together local artists and musicians, as well as some of the best street food around, making it a proper day out for all the family.
After last year’s event proved to be a massive success, SpringFest 2024 will be back again in just a couple of weeks time.
All proceeds help to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust, which oversees the upkeep of the Grade II listed building and ensures that it remains open as a cultural venue and community resource.
Dennis Queen, Dominic G, Amatiime, and the Guacamaya Latin Band are just some of the artists forming part of the diverse lineup of musical talent on the day, while stunning and eclectic artworks from John Merril, Vanessa Scottm Pool Arts, Mavish Masood, Jessie Tam, and even more names set to be announced, will all be on display.
Springfest is bursting with Family Friendly fun, with lawn games taking place in the kid’s area – where there is also a mini-kitchen, book tent and colouring station to explore. And for exploring on a bigger scale there is the whole building to discover in the Miles of Tiles activity trail (suggested donation of £1); with fun facts to reveal and quirky features to spot.
To turn up the fun factor even further, get a ticket for Our Kids Social’s special Make, Do and Bop which is taking over the Gala pool with a shimmering and glistening Under the Sea theme. Crafting comes first, with jellyfish and star fish mobiles to make, then it’s time to make some moves on the pool floor with a two channel silent disco broadcasting kids’ pop vs adult guilty pleasures! No cozzies are needed but fancy dress and sparkly party clothes will be all the rage.
Behind the grand backdrops of Victoria Baths lies the fascinating history of the building and its many different spaces, all of which is revealed in the Discover Victoria Baths tour, which will be running at 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. This is a must do if you really want to get to know Victoria Baths, and not just for first time visitors.
Some of Manchester’s finest Street Food cuisine will be available at SpringFest. Dim Sum Su will be serving steamed buns, spring rolls and savoury dumplings; Wholesome Junkies turn junk-food favourites green with their vegan junk food menu; and for sweet treats don’t miss Exclusive Scoop’s scrumptious ice creams and crepes.
The Victoria Baths Bar will be open throughout for a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks and delicious baked goodies and hot drinks will be available from the volunteer led Victoria Baths Tearoom.
In what’s become a SpringFest tradition, those visitors travelling to the event by bike can claim a free brew for their efforts. Just take a selfie of you and your two-wheeler on arrival, show the Tearoom volunteers your pic and they’ll make you a free hot drink.
SpringFest 2023 will take place on Saturday 20 April 11am − 4pm at Victoria Baths and ticket prices are as follows:
- SpringFest: entry tickets are £8 (with voluntary donation) or £7 (no donation) and can be booked here − doors open at 11am;
- Building tours are £12 per person, include building entry and are bookable in advance here;
- Under 18s are FREE for both entry and tours but must be accompanied by a paying adult (over 18);
- Our Kids Social: tickets include entry to SpringFest by day and are priced at £7.15 (inc booking fee) and can by booked here − you must have an Our Kids Social ticket to attend Make, Do and Bop;
- If you become a VB Member for £30/year then free entry and free tours are just some of the perks! More information is available here.