After a weekend hosting some of the top international DJs, this coming weekend will see Victoria Baths deck its pool halls up for its annual Festive Winter Fair. Taking place on Saturday 12 November and Sunday 13 November (11am to 4pm), makers from Manchester and beyond will be creating a joyful Christmas shopping experience with each stall selected for the beautiful products that they will be selling.
Taking place under the shelter of Victoria Baths’ vaulted glass roofs you’ll find over 50 stalls. The addition of music means this is an event full of merriment. On Saturday SheChoir and on Sunday Ordsall Acappella Singers will be filling the building with their stunning vocal performances, both at 2pm. In the Tea Room, as well as serving mince pies, cakes and refreshments, the aroma of mulled wine will be adding to the seasonal atmosphere.
The fair will be full of unique homeware items like funky cushions and lamps, tea towels, mugs, stationery, ceramics and house plants. With gift ideas for everyone, art lovers will be spoilt for choice at this winter fair as they admire paintings of local landscapes, Christmas cards and coasters, colourful contemporary work and abstract prints.
Some of the region’s most creative jewellery designers, all with very different styles, will be present too, and you can expect a range of jewellery from those featuring gemstones and crystals to some made of recycled materials and clay, as well as vintage and antique pieces. And if you are a dog owner there is plenty to get your four-legged friend’s tail wagging- from full sartorial attire including bandanas and bowties to adorable accessories, alongside tasty treats to spoil your pooch with.
Vegan collections are a theme that runs through a number of the stalls at the Winter Fair at Victoria Baths. You’ll find hand-poured, small batch, vegan friendly natural soy wax candles and a gorgeous range of vegan skincare, including bombs, body butter, body scrub and bath salts.
You can pick some hand knitted delights which will put smiles on faces whether you are buying decorations for your Christmas tree, a gift or stocking filler. As it starts to get colder, you’ll find colourful knitted blankets, tops and bags in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Giving someone a bottle of their favourite tipple is a Christmas staple, but there’s nothing quite like products that are made in Manchester, including gift sets, syrups and cordials. Stock up on the spirits this Christmas with the likes of Manchester Gin, Victoria Baths Gin and festive inspired liqueurs in spiced honey whisky, orange brandy and coffee liqueur.
And finally, there are stocking fillers, tea towels, jigsaw puzzles, books, tote bags and much more to be found in the Victoria Baths Gift Shop. All sales made in the shop and volunteer run Tea Room support the work of Victoria Baths Trust.
Available on the door at to book in advance, tickets are £5 (including a donation to Victoria Baths Trust), £4, or free for Victoria Baths Friends and under 16s. For more information about the Winter Fair and to book head to the Victoria Baths website here.