The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2025 at Victoria Baths

As we start thinking about all things cosy with autumn just around the corner, there is one annual event that stands out as a highlight of the season. The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is back for its 18th edition this October. Taking place in the beautifully tiled surroundings of Victoria Baths, it’s a craft fair like no other.

GNCCF gathers over 200 makers from across the UK, chosen for their outstanding skills and dedication. They range from established artists to new graduate talent too, ensuring there is both plenty of experience as well as fresh perspectives on display. 

You’ll find your favourite crafts and lots more too: from printmakers and paper artists, furniture and fashion design to glass, ceramics, metal and, of course, jewellery which spans multiple categories and materials.

GNCCF is the perfect place to find sustainable textiles – from Fronte’s beautiful “sizeless, ageless, seasonless” apron dresses, to Helena Powell’s handwoven scarves in gentle hues.

You’ll inevitably be drawn in by Jade Tapson’s glass which features mesmerising patterns created using a technique that involves screen printing with glass powders and results in incredibly uniform air bubbles. Glass comes in all shapes and sizes though and Amanda Glanville is a self-proclaimed Maker of Tiny Glass Stuff – look out for her teeny tiny decorations shaped like books, conkers and flowers.

Jewellery fans will love Ann Taylor’s antique-inspired pieces, with hand-painted images of cats, eyes, moons and other symbols, encased in earrings, pendants and brooches. If geometry is more your style, Lois Lo’s rings and pendants stand out with clean lines and truly innovative stone-setting – pieces unlike anything else you’ve seen before.

There are more unusual items too: Hannah McDermid’s stunning modern marquetry; Becca Brown’s charming ceramics adorned with illustrations; Chris Brook’s sculptural works made from salvaged materials; and [vinegar & brown paper]’s witty, sandblasted glassware.

Along with the incredible craftsmanship on display, this year’s edition of GNCCF also features a photography exhibition that celebrates the creativity and skill of Black artisans. The display features 36 Black makers, highlighting the diversity in the arts and crafts communities around the country.

As always, there will also be maker demonstrations and drop-in workshops, so you can try your hand at some crafts, surrounded by countless sources of inspiration. If you need a little pick-me-up along the way, grab a snack or a hot drink from the pop-up café.

GNCCF begins with a special preview evening on 16 October (6pm – 9pm), then opens to the public on 17 October and 19 October (10am – 5pm) until 19 October (10am – 4pm).