Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair celebrates cutting-edge craft and design in Manchester

The show will feature over 150 of the UK’s most talented designer-makers who have been specially selected by a panel of craft experts. Opening with a preview on Thursday 11 October, where guests are given exclusive access the show and the first opportunity to see and buy the work, the fair will then open to the public from the 12-14 October.

Full of creative talent, you'll be able to buy or commission directly from designer-makers working in glass, jewellery, ceramics, interior and fashion textiles, metalwork, furniture, print-making and more. You'll also be given the opportunity to meet the makers and learn about the materials, processes and ideas behind the work.

Established in 2008 and officially opened by British Designer Thomas Heatherwick, the GNCCF is one of the biggest craft events in the UK and has become a much-anticipated highlight in the North’s cultural calendar.

The eleventh show will feature artist talks and demonstrations as well as a regular and important feature of the fair, the Great Northern Graduates showcase. This features the best new talent to emerge from the UK’s creative courses. These makers truly are "the ones to watch".

Angela Mann and Ann-Marie Franey founded the GNCCF, which is supported by Arts Council England through Grant for the Arts, with the aim of championing and promoting contemporary craft and designer-makers in the North. Ann-Marie said: "We are looking forward to being back in Manchester after launching new events in Newcastle and Sheffield earlier this year. Visitors can expect a stimulating day out in an unusual setting, with interesting and beautiful work from new and established makers. Interest in contemporary craft grows year-on-year and we’re excited to be part of this, flying the flag for Northern craft."

Angela Mann added: "We’re extremely grateful for the support of the Arts Council and other key partners in supporting this event. We’d also like to thank the designer-makers from a wide variety of disciplines who come together to help us produce such a great show."

The event will commence with a special preview evening on Thursday 11 October from 6pm-9.30pm. Following the preview, the GNCCF will be open to the public from 10am on Friday 12 October to Sunday 14 October 2018.

For further information on the show, visit www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk. In the meantime, check out some of the work we've picked out that will be on display.