Competition: WIN a place on a Ministry of Craft course

Stevie Mackenzie-Smith

We’ve teamed up with Ministry of Craft to offer one Creative Tourist reader a place on any one of their upcoming courses.

It goes without saying that Fred Aldous rules the roost when it comes to craft shops in Manchester. Upstairs, gorgeous illustrated wrapping paper and stacks of stationary beckon. Downstairs, the basement shelves are stocked with pom poms and seagrass and a gold mine of paper in any metallic shade you might desire. In short, the place echoes with the possibilities of a good old-fashioned weekend project – although you may not know what half of the supplies actually are. Chances are there are things – intricate, inventive things – that you can blindly look past. It’s here that Ministry of Craft comes in rather handy; their courses can deftly guide you beyond amateur optimism (which, let’s face it, often leads to half-completed projects) to a finished product.

There are over 42 courses available, ranging from dressmaking to screenprinting, fabric lampshade how-tos, lino-cutting, quilting and jewellery making. They take place at Fred Aldous, as well as the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Each course offers a relaxed environment with knowledgeable tutors and plenty of cups of tea.

Ministry of Craft are offering one Creative Tourist reader a place on any one of their courses – it’s up for you to decide which one to go for. They’re throwing in a Speedball screen printing kit from Fred Aldous, too, just for good measure.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Terms and Conditions: The winner will be the first correct entry selected at random from all correct entries received. No purchase necessary. No cash alternative given. Employees of Ministry of Craft, Fred Aldous, Creative Tourist and associated companies are not eligible to enter. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winners will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date. Only one entry per person. We apologise for the fact we are unable to post prizes outside of the UK. Entrants will automatically be added to the Creative Tourist mailing list – don’t worry, we never share data and we promise not to bombard you with endless emails. Closing date: Wednesday 25 June.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.