Applications for our 2023 fairs now open!
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair : 19-22 October
GNCCFonline Spring edition : 20-21 May
GNCCFonline Christmas edition : 2-3 December
CLOSING DATE: MIDNIGHT 28 FEBRUARY
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Show your work at the most respected contemporary craft fair in the North!
Boasting a national reputation, Great Northern Events organises the foremost selling fairs in the North. Over 150 of the UK’s best designer-makers are presented at our flagship live fair, GNCCF, in Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths in October, complemented by two digital fairs – GNCCFonline – in May and December. We offer makers an unrivalled opportunity to put their work in front of an eager and savvy audience in a way that suits them and their buyers best.
“The show is certainly the best in the North and generates a huge interest locally. There is always a great atmosphere with good quality work on show, and customers look forward to it in anticipation.” – GNCCF Exhibitor 2022
The GNCCF takes place in the stunning Victoria Baths, one of Manchester’s favourite heritage attractions and home to many other arts and cultural events, including Manchester International Festival. Known as Manchester’s Water Palace, no expense was spared on the building when it opened to the public in 1906, and its beautiful glazed Victorian tiled walls, mosaic floors and decorative stained glass interior provide a fitting backdrop to the beautiful craft on sale at the GNCCF.
All makers are selected for their high quality of work by an expert panel, to ensure a vibrant and varied selection of different crafts to browse and buy. GNCCF Manchester also features artists demonstrating their work, exhibitions of new graduate work and craft workshops.
“Such a warm and supportive atmosphere, an amazing event.” – GNCCF Exhibitor 2022
GNCCF Manchester is primarily a shell-scheme event but we also have a range of more affordable stand options to choose from such as table-top and space only. New for 2023, we’re offering a small selection of table-top spaces in the beautiful Turkish Baths room, as well as in our light and airy balcony area upstairs, which will be familiar to regulars.
At GNCCF, we show designer-makers at the top of their game as well as the best of what’s new. Many make us the first step into national craft events, and we’re eager to increase participation from places which have traditionally been underpresented. In 2023, we’ll be offering 2 free stands at GNCCF Manchester to makers who haven’t exhibited at the fair before, whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England’s Levelling Up For Culture Places. Any successful first-time applicant to GNCCF Manchester with an address in one of these areas will be contacted after selection with information about this opportunity.
The venue is easily accessible, with free parking on site, on surrounding roads and a multi-story car park is just a 5 min walk away. It is a ten minute walk from Oxford Road, the main bus route into the city centre and a ten minute walk from the Whitworth, Manchester’s award-winning art gallery.
Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward; exhibitors can park on site to unload, then move their cars to one of the nearby public car parks.
There are hotels to cater for all budgets a short walk away and plenty more in the city centre.
Should the live version of GNCCF Manchester have to be cancelled due to Govt/Covid-19 restrictions, the fair will revert to an online edition. All exhibitors will be given the option to take part in this online version at a much reduced participation fee and full/partial refunds will be given for the difference.
“I finally felt like I had found my audience. I’m full of confidence now that my business is on the right track” – GNCCF Exhibitor 2022
GNCCFonline fairs are an affordable opportunity to sell your work and raise your profile under the well respected GNCCF brand. Like our flagship in person fair, all exhibitors are selected by an expert panel. Our regular GNCCFonline exhibitors find the online fairs a great way to complement their live events, and a brilliant ‘gateway’ to selling for those starting out. We welcome makers who have an online shopping platform who are not based in the UK.
“I loved GNCCFonline, being new to the GNCCF audience and the event being online, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what an event, and what a supportive craft community! I couldn’t keep up with the lovely messages, new customers and sales! This is an event organised by people who love what they do and it shows!’
Each GNCCFonline exhibitor has a ‘shop window’ on our website, featuring 8 curated products (including images and description) for visitors to buy, along with links to their own online shops. We take no commissions on sales and all transactions are handled by the exhibitor. GNCCFonline is extensively promoted on our social media platforms and via our mailing lists and partners. Exhibitors shop portals will remain open for at least a month after the fair weekend for follow up sales.
“It was my first time being part of GNCCFonline and I was blown away by the supportive atmosphere, promotion and marketing from the team! Thank you GNCCF!” GNCCFonline Exhibitor 2022
Business Support. New for 2023, we’re offering the opportinity to boost your business further with a package of ‘Get Fair Ready’ webinars, and the chance to book hour-long, bespoke mentoring sessions with the highly experienced GNCCF team. Register an interest on the application form and we’ll send you details. Whilst priority will be given to those who have applied for our fairs, we will consider other makers for these maker development opportunities – please email for details:
ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
“An extremely well-run event in a truly special venue, GNCCF is one of my all-time favourite events. The organisation and staff were excellent, the whole team including volunteers, cafe and cleaning staff were all very friendly and approachable. The venue was magical and the extra touches like exhibitors lounge and excellent coffee at the bar all helped make it even more enjoyable. A very lovely bunch of well-curated makers too!” – GNCCF Exhibitor 2022
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Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs are possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.