Application Info

Sell Your Work at the North’s Leading Contemporary Craft Fairs

Save the Dates for 2026

Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle : 19–21 June 2026 (Private View: Thursday 18 June 18.00-21.00)

 Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester : 16–18 October 2026 (Private View: Thursday 15 October 18.00-21.00)

 GNCCFonline Gift Edition : 28-29 November 2026

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The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs (GNCCF) are nationally recognised as the premier selling events for contemporary craft in the North of England. Each fair showcases a carefully curated selection of work, chosen by an independent panel of experts, ensuring the very highest standards of craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

GNCCF offers makers an unparalleled platform to connect with an engaged and knowledgeable audience of collectors, buyers and craft enthusiasts.

We finish the year with our GNCCFonline Gift Edition, a festive online pop-up that provides an affordable way to reach our audiences, build your profile, and enjoy strong gift-driven sales in the run up to Christmas. 

Why Apply to our fairs?

• Respected contemporary craft platforms with excellent footfall

• No commission on sales at any fair

• Strong buyer engagement and year-round visibility

• Bursary opportunities for new makers

• Juried fairs ensures a high standard of work

• Accessible pricing options, shared stands and balcony table-tops

• Proven conversion into commissions, gallery contacts and repeat sales

About Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle : 19–21 June 2026 (Private View: Thursday 18 June 18.00-21.00)

GNCCF Newcastle launched in summer 2025 with exceptional success and returns in June to the Main Arena at Sport Central, Northumbria University. Featuring around 120 exhibitors, we welcome applications from contemporary designer-makers as well as fine artists, photographers, printmakers and sculptors.

All exhibitors are selected for the quality of their work by an expert panel, ensuring a vibrant and varied showcase of contemporary craft and art to browse and buy.

GNCCF Newcastle is a shell-scheme exhibition stand event - exhibition stands will be a brand new grey tweed shell. The venue is ground-floor, fully accessible, and just a 5–10 minute walk from Haymarket Metro & Bus Stations, Newcastle University campus, and Northumberland Street, the city’s main shopping district. Several public car parks are a short walk away.

We offer subsidised stands for new makers and artists in business less than 2 years (see Bursaries section below). Facilities within the show arena include an on-site café, exhibitor lounge, storage areas, quiet lounge and workshop spaces.

Unloading and breakdown are straightforward: exhibitors can park on-site to unload before moving to nearby public parking.

There are hotels for all budgets within walking distance, with further options in surrounding suburbs easily reached by public transport.

For GNCCF Newcastle 2026, we are delighted to offer up to 20 ‘New Maker/Artist’ bursaries, plus two ‘ACE Priority Place’ bursaries for makers based in Arts Council England’s Priority Places. Details are included in the application guidelines.

A small number of 3x1m shared stands are available for those wishing to share with another exhibitor. You may name a preferred stand partner on your application; both makers must apply and be selected. If only one is selected, we will discuss alternative options.

 GNCCF Newcastle 2025  Exhibitor Testimonials

"A really well organised and high profile event with quality makers, a gem to visit, bringing a selection of great craft to the North East."

"The GNCCF Newcastle was a rewarding experience filled with supportive visitors, smooth organisation, and wonderful connections with fellow makers that made it truly memorable."

"It was a well-run, welcoming, and a thoughtfully curated event and I had a brilliant weekend."

"What a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the first of many GNCCF shows in Newcastle. A great event in a great City! I loved it! and will definitely be applying again next year!"

"I can only feel that GNCCF Newcastle will grow - the customers I spoke to felt like they'd been yearning for an arts and craft fair of this standard to come to Newcastle and thoroughly enjoyed all the makers and their products and talent." 

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 About Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester : 16–18 October 2026 (Private View: Thursday 15 October 18.00-21.00)

GNCCF Manchester takes place in Victoria Baths, the city’s iconic heritage attraction and a popular home for cultural events, including Chanel’s prestigious Métiers d’Art exhibition in 2023. Known as Manchester’s Water Palace, no expense was spared when it opened in 1906, and its beautiful Victorian tiled walls, mosaic floors and stained glass details provide a spectacular and atmospheric backdrop to explore the finest contemporary craft.

All exhibitors are selected for the quality of their work by an independent expert panel, ensuring a vibrant, diverse and inspiring selling event. GNCCF Manchester also features demonstrations, graduate exhibitions and craft workshops, cleverly sited throughout the building’s historic spaces — from changing cubicles and Turkish Baths to former staff living quarters.

GNCCF Manchester 2026 has a brand new grey tweed shell-scheme stands, plus more accessible options for new makers such as table-tops on the upstairs balcony.

We are delighted to have secured funding from The Radcliffe Trust to offer 12 bursaries for new makers (in business less than 2 years). Details are available in the application guidelines.

The venue is easily accessible, with free on-site parking, surrounding street parking, and a multi-storey car park within a five-minute walk. It is just ten minutes from Oxford Road, one of Manchester’s main public transport routes.

Unloading and breakdown are straightforward: exhibitors can park on-site to unload before moving vehicles to nearby public parking.

There are hotel options for every budget within walking distance, as well as further accommodation in the city centre or local suburbs, all well served by public transport.

GNCCF Manchester 2025  Exhibitor Testimonials

"GNCCF was my choice for the main Autumn event as its well visited, FANTASTIC at marketing, and has a great reputation."

"The best curated, organised, run and public attended event I have experienced." 

"I was impressed with the whole event. My sales exceeded my expectations. The footfall was very good. I had a really good reaction to my work. The organisation was flawless."

"A wonderfully organised and uplifting fair that generated great sales, inspiring conversations, and a renewed sense of motivation in my practice."

"GNCCF connects me to the North, I have made new clients, secured new galleries and have commissions and sales throughout the year from exhibiting."

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About GNCCFonline Gift Edition : 28-29 November 2026

Our festive GNCCFonline Gift Edition is an accessible, affordable online event that allows you to showcase and sell your work under the respected GNCCF brand — without the travel or stand costs of a physical fair.

Marketed as a dedicated Christmas shopping event and promoted to an audience of 28,000 email subscribers and 24,000 social followers, GNCCFonline Gift Edition gives you exceptional visibility with buyers actively seeking unique, quality gifts.

The event is ideal for emerging makers, those new to the market, or anyone unable to attend in person. It’s also a valuable follow-up for exhibitors from GNCCF Newcastle or Manchester, helping convert interest generated at the fairs into online sales. Makers with existing online shops (via websites, Etsy, Folksy, etc.) will especially benefit.

Each exhibitor has a curated online ‘shop window’ on our website featuring eight products with images and descriptions, plus direct links to their own online stores. All transactions are handled by the exhibitor. Exhibitor shop pages remain live until 31 December 2026 to support follow-up purchases.

GNCCFonline 2025 Exhibitor Testimonials

"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!’ 

"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!"   

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Business Support.For all exhbitors selected to take part in our in-person fairs, we offer the opportunity to boost your business further with a package of 'Get Fair Ready' webinars delivered in partnership with The Design Trust.  Whilst priority will be given to those who have been selected for our fairs, we will consider other artist/makers for these maker development opportunities - please email for details: ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

 

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Apply Here

Application Guidelines

 

Applications are still open for GNCCFonline via the link above. If you missed the deadline for our in-person fairs, we are always happy to consider a late appliction from you but please email us to enquire in the first instance.

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

We are using an application platform called CuratorSpace.  You will need to create an account on CuratorSpace in order to proceed with your application.

The application form is for applying to the Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle and/or Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, and/or GNCCFonline Gift edition.

The application form must be completed in full and submitted on-line. If you wish to apply for more than one show you only need to complete the application form once - simply select the fairs you wish to apply for. On completion of the form you will be directed to Stripe to process your application fee(s).  

You will be notified by Curatorspace when your application and payment fee have been submitted.

The form is simple to complete and you can save it and return to it at a later date,  However we advise you complete the big wordy sections in Word first and cut and paste in, in case your wifi goes down or there's a glitch; this way you're not starting over. 

Up loading Your Images

You will need to upload 6 images of recent work. All images must be jpeg format and between 1-3MB. Image 1 must be square. Images 2-6 can be portrait, landscape, or square. We advise uploading at least one portrait and one landscape image so we can use the different formats for different types of promotion eg. portrait on insta, landscape in our newsletters. We also advise including at least one image of a product shot against a white or plain background - our graphic designer is able to "cut these out" from the background and therefore may be featured in our show publicity materials. 

Image 1 must be labelled YOURNAME1, image 2 YOURNAME2 and so on, eg. ANNSMITH1.jpeg.  Please select your images first, resize and relabel them like this before you start your application.

We also ask for a portrait image of you in your studio - this is a optional - please label it with your name.

When you click on add image on the form, you will uplod the image to your CuratorSpace account. You will  then need to select the images to the form from this account.

You will need the following information in order to complete the application form. Some info we ask for is for organiser's use only and will not be published. This will be stated on the application form.

If you need support to fill in the application form, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help.

Exhibitor Discipline & Contact Details

Select the craft/art discipline that best describes the field you practise in from the drop down menu.

Please state your business name here as this will be published in the GNCCF fair directory on our website. 

Business Details

For your website profile, describe your work/practice in 50 words max and write it in the third person - eg. Alex is a ceramicist. She works in porcelain and her work is seen in many collections. You may wish to include details of materials, techniques, inspiration, your background, where you work from, and any important or unusual awards or commissions - people who engage with your story are more likely to buy from you.

We also ask you for a 25 word description for social media profiles. 

Please note the details you submit in this part of the form are automatically uploaded onto the website, should you be selected, so it's very important the text you provide is grammatically correct - do check for typos and correct sentencing case - for instance please do not write it all in lower case.

In the qualifications/significant exhibitions & commissions section, please state what qualifications/experience you have relating to your practice and any significant achievements such as exhibitions or interesting commissions. Please also mention other fairs/shows you have been selected for. It does not have to be a comprehensive list. This section is to inform our selectors, should they request the information, especially if they are not familiar with your work. 

Please also list here any interesting facts about you or your work, which may make a press story eg. change of career or unusual background or route into your craft. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have stylish/quirky homes or workshops or who have interesting collections of craft etc or have clients who do! Think about what you like to read about and if you think you have a story that would be of interest to others, tell us.

Event Selection

Select which fairs you want to apply to and select your prefered stand size from the drop down menu. Further details of all our Exhibiting fee can be found in our Application Pack here

Should you be selected, we will get in touch with you if we are unable to offer you the stand option you have requested, and offer you an alternative. If you are selected and prefer to be on an end or near another exhibitor please contact us once you have accepted your space.

GNCCF Bursaries

GNCCF Newcastle - Newcastle New Maker/Artist and ACE Priority Place Bursaries

We are offering 20 exhibitors who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £110 towards the cost of a 2x1m stand. Recipients will receive a £110 discount on their fees for this stand size only. To apply, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary, and we will use a lottery draw to identify 20 recipients. 

Subject to funding, we also offer 2 exhibitors  from Arts Council's Priority Places, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £250 towards their stand fees. To apply, please indicate you wish to be entered for this draw. We leave it to you to decide if you honestly need this. If you're an established maker and you're doing OK, please consider stepping aside and giving others a stronger chance of receiving the support.

To find out if you live or work in one of Arts Council's Priority Places, cut and paste this link into your browser to check which local authority you are in: https://findthatpostcode.uk/, then check against the list on the Arts Council website, which you can find here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/your-area/priority-places

GNCCF Manchester - Radcliffe Trust Bursaries

We are working with the Radcliffe Trust once again to offer 12 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF Manchester, a bursary of £250 towards the cost of stand fees. Recipients will receive a £250 discount on their fees.  

To apply for any bursary, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary on the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify the recipients.

A maker can only receive a bursary of any kind once. Bursaries can only be used in this way and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are unable to attend the fair, you will forfeit the bursary.

Interested in Demonstrating?

We may have space for exhibitors who wish to demonstrate on their stands. If this is of interest, please state the skills you would demonstrate and any extra space you would need for equipment and proximity to utilities if required. Extra space will be given free of charge but cannot be guaranteed.

Should you be selected for GNCCF Newcastle and/or GNCCF Manchester, we will get in touch to discuss the possibility of demonstrating on your stand or at some other area of the show. 

Interested in delivering an outreach workshop?

We deliver high quality craft workshops for the clients of The Oasis Centre, a community centre based in Gorton East Manchester, and sometimes are invited to other organisations.

We are keen to hear from makers who may be interested in hosting a workshop or long term craft projects. Experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or teenagers is desired but not essential (DBS checks may need to be carried out). Workshops should be anything from 1.5-4  hours and be aimed as if the participants are 8 years old. You will be paid for your time and materials.  

 

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester 2026: £18.50 inc VAT

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle 2026: £12 inc VAT

For GNCCFonline Gift Edition 2026: £8.50 inc VAT

For all fairs: £36 (inc VAT)

For both GNCCF Newcastle & Manchester: £28.50 (inc VAT)

For both GNCCF Newcastle & GNCCFonline: £20.50

For both GNCCF Manchester & GNCCFonline: £27.00

You will be prompted to pay the application fee on completion of the online application form, when you will be redirected to Stripe. The application form will not be submitted without this payment. This fee is non-refundable and is inclusive of VAT. It will go towards covering the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure.

 

Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair, Northumbria University Newcastle: 19-21 June 2026 (Private View: Thursday 18 June 18:00-21:00)

Stand package costs listed below include:

• exhibitor profile including an image and 50 word description on our website with link to your website/online shop/insta
• exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms (facebook, instagram)
• extensive promotion via our social media platforms with over 24,000 followers.
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers.
• exhibitor storage area
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• extensive regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and their work
• printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks
• digital promotional artwork to use on your social media platforms
• shell scheme, space with two spotlights

Newcastle exhibitor package fees 2026

The following are for a brand new grey tweed shell scheme stand with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spotlights.

2x1m £390+VAT (see below for info about applying for GNCCF Newcastle New Maker Bursaries)

2x1.5m £545+VAT

3x1m £560+VAT

3x1.5m £665+VAT (limited availability) 

4x1m  £660+VAT (limited availability)

4x1.5m £700+VAT (limited availability)

3x1m Shared between 2 exhibitors £345+VAT each (limited availability)

Other stand sizes may be available but are not guaranteed - organisers will confirm your preferred stand size/option and cost once selected. 

Please select your preferred stand size from the drop down menu on the application form.

We have a very limited number of 3x1 stands that can be shared between two exhibitors. You can name who you wish to share with on the application form but both makers will need to apply and be selected; if only one of you is selected we will get in touch with other options.

We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share any of the stands listed above with the view to split the cost between multiple participants.

However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives and galleries who may wish to stage a curated selling or non-selling exhibition or installation. Proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to space availability, and pricing will be higher than individual stands and dependent on your requirements and the value your group brings to GNCCF.

If you’d like to be considered, please email an outline of your proposal—confirming the number of participants and the space required—to: ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

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Additional costs 

• Electrical sockets, extra lighting can be ordered at an extra cost via the electrical contractors. Socket costs from £40; cost of extra spot light from £24. PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subsequent items. Note these prices are exclusive of VAT and require order before 4th June. Prices increase after this date - see extra electrics form which will be sent to you if selected.
• Tables 1800mm long x600mm deep x 730mm high can be hired from organiser at cost of £20+VAT. We also have a small selection of plinths and exhibition counters to hire; shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost. Further details will be sent to selected exhibitors.
  

GNCCF Newcastle - Newcastle New Maker and ACE Priority Bursaries

We are offering upto 20 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £110 towards the cost of a 2x1m stand. Recipients will receive a £110 discount on their fees for this stand size only. To apply, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary, and we will use a lottery draw to identify 20 recipients. 

We also offer 2 makers from Arts Council's Priority Places, who are selected for GNCCF Newcastle, a bursary of £250 towards their stand fees. To apply, please indicate you wish to be entered for this draw. We leave it to you to decide if you honestly need this. If you're an established maker and you're doing OK, please consider stepping aside and giving others a stronger chance of receiving the support.

To find out if you live or work in one of Arts Council's Priority Places, cut and paste this link into your browser to check which local authority you are in: https://findthatpostcode.uk/, then check against the list on the Arts Council website, which you can find here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/your-area/priority-places

To apply for any bursary, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary on the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify the recipients.

A maker can only receive a bursary of any kind once. Bursaries can only be used in this way and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are unable to attend the fair, you will forfeit the bursary.

Set up, Opening Times & Breakdown

Set up: 11am-5pm Thurs 18 June 

Private View: 6-9pm  Thurs 18 June 

Public Openings: 10am-6pm Fri 19 June, 10am-6pm Sat 20 June & 10am-4pm Sun 21 June

Breakdown: 4-7pm Sun 21 June

Please note:  these times may change slightly.

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Victoria Baths Manchester: 16-18 October 2026 (Private View Thursday 15 October 18:00-21:00)

Stand package costs listed below include:

• exhibitor profile including an image and 50 word description on our website with link to your website/online shop/insta
• exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms (facebook, instagram)
• extensive promotion via our social media platforms to 24,000 followers
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers
• promotion to members of Victoria Baths and via their social media
• exhibitor storage area
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• extensive national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work 
• printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks
• digital promotional artwork to use on your social media platforms
• exhibitor awards
• various stand options to choose from - grey tweed shell scheme, space only, table-top.
• if you select a shell scheme stand this will include two spotlights.
• all stands include chair(s)

Manchester exhibitor package fees for 2026:

Table top/space only balcony upstairs for a new maker (in business 2yrs or less) inc 1800x750 table, £295+VAT

Table top/space only balcony upstairs for an estabilsed maker inc 1800x750 table, £340+VAT(Priority will be given to New Makers in business 2 yrs or less)

Table top/space only Turkish Baths exhibition space downstairs inc 1800x750mm table inc 1800x750 table, £350+VAT

The following stands are all brand new grey tweed shell scheme stands with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spotlights.

2x1m £440+VAT

2x1.5m £585+VAT

3x1m £610+VAT (limited availability)

3x1.5m £710+VAT (limited availability) 

4x1m £715+VAT (limited availability) 

4x1.5m £760+VAT (limited availability) 

Other stand sizes may be available but are not guaranteed - organisers will confirm your preferred stand size/option and cost once selected. 

Please select your preferred stand size from the drop down menu on the application form which details the above exhibitor packages and respective costs. 

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Additional costs 

• Electrical sockets, extra lighting can be ordered at an extra cost via the electrical contractors. Order before 3rd Oct - Socket costs from £40; cost of extra spot light from £24. After this date cost for socket is £50 and spotlights are from £30. PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subsequent items. Note these prices are exclusive of VAT and increase after 3rd Oct - see the extra electrics form which will be sent to selected exhibitors.
• Furniture hire. Please note tables are only included in the table top package. We do not supply tables or display furniture as part of other stand packages. Trestle tables 1800mm long x600mm deep x 730mm high can be hired from organiser at cost of £20 +VAT. We also have a small selection of plinths and exhibition counters to hire; shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.  Further details will be sent to selected exhibitors.

GNCCF Manchester - Radcliffe Trust Bursaries for New Makers

Thanks to funding from The Radcliffe Trust, we are delighted to offer 12 exhibitors who are new makers within 2 years of starting their business, a bursary of £250 discount on stand fees. 

To apply for any bursary, indicate you wish to be entered for the bursary on the application form, and we will use a lottery draw to identify the recipients.

A maker can only receive a bursary of any kind once. Bursaries can only be used in this way and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are unable to attend the fair, you will forfeit the bursary.

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Set up, Opening Times & Breakdown

Set up: 11am-5pm Weds 14 Oct and then 8am-4pm Thurs 15 Oct

Private View: 6-9pm Thurs 15 Oct

Public Openings: 10am-6pm Fri 16 Oct, 10am-6pm Sat 17 Oct & 10am-4pm Sun 18 Oct

Breakdown: 4-7pm Sun 18 Oct

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We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share ( and so split the costs of) a stand listed above in the main body of the fair.  However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives and galleries who may wish to stage a curated selling or non-selling exhibition or installation. Proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to space availability, and pricing will be higher than individual stands and dependent on your requirements and the value your group brings to GNCCF.  If you’d like to be considered, please email an outline of your proposal—confirming the number of participants and the space required—to: ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

Please note if the live GNCCF Manchester has to be cancelled due to Govt/Covid-19 restrictions, then the fair will revert to an online version. Exhibitors will have the option of taking part in this online fair at a reduced cost or withdrawing completely in which case part or full refunds will be given respectively. 

 

GNCCFonline Gift Edition: 28-29 November 2026 (exhibitor shop portals remain open til 31 Dec)

Participation fee: £89 (+VAT) or a discounted package deal of £68 (+VAT) if you apply for GNCCFonline Gift Edition AND one or both of GNCCF Newcastle and/or GNCCF Manchester.

GNCCFonline Gift Edition includes:

• your website shop will feature 8 product images, along with descriptions and buy now URL and exhibitor profile with URL to your online selling platform (eg. your website shop, etsy shop, via gallery instagram etc). 
• An exclusive preview for subscribers on the Friday evening before the fair opens online to the public on Saturday
• GNCCFonline Gift Edition will remain live until 31 Dec after the fair to enable follow up sales
• extensive promotion on our social media platforms (facebook, instagram) to 24,000 followers
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers and via our network of partners.
• digital promotional materials to send to your networks and use on your own digital platforms

 

For all our fairs we welcome applications from designers, makers and artists working in ceramics, jewellery, glass, basket-making, silver and metal smithing, book-making, paper, stationary, wood, plastics, mixed media, furniture, lighting, fashion textiles and accessories, fashion design, shoe design, millinery, leather, interior textiles and home-wares, product design and print making.

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair  Newcastle we also welcome applications from fine artists, photographers, illustrators & sculptors working in a variety of mediums. 

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester we do NOT accept painting, drawing, photography, giclee prints of original artworks.

Applications must be from the designer-maker and work must not be mass produced. 

For all fairs we do not accept greeting card makers ( unless as part of a wider ranger of work), nor do we accept hand-made candles, soaps and toiletries or food products. We do not accept imported goods, not made by yourself.

All exhibitors are selected for their excellence and suitability for the fair by a panel of craft/artexperts, based on their submitted images.

For all our fairs, we welcome applications from diverse and talented makers/artists from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class.

If you live with a disability, mobility issue or are neurodiverse, our application form offers you the opportunity to tell us how we can help you to participate in the fair, and we will make reasonable adaptions where we can, within the scope of the venue. 

If you need support to fill in the application form, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help.

More questions? Email us at

victoria@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

All our fairs are selected shows. The selection panel will decide which exhibitors are chosen for each show using your images and application form. The panel is made up of experts and changes annually.

There will be a reserve list of exhibitors, who will be contacted should additional space become available.

 

 

Marketing

GNCCF Manchester & Newcastle are advertised and promoted nationally, with a strong campaign in the North of England and a particular focus in their respective regions.

This marketing campaign includes:

• distribution of leaflets to the regions' major galleries, musuems and arts venues, universities, cafes and bars, city centre offices and
• leaflet distribution to selected door to door postcodes identified through audience research consultation with the Audience Agency
• display advertising 
• digital advertising
• regional outdoor advertising
• cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities
• extensive web based and e-marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 28,000 subscribers
• extensive promotion via Facebook and Instagram to our 24,000 followers.

The GNCCF has generated a PR value in excess of £500K over the last 4 years, most recently with a double page spread in the Observer, and Guardian online, plus editorial in the Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, Guardian Weekend, Independent, Living etc, Elle Decoration, Homes and Antiques, World of Interiors, House & Garden, Country Living, Art Quarterly, Selvedge, Craft, Ceramic Review, Creative Tourist, Northern Soul, Mancunion Matters,Creative Boom,  Manchester Evening News, Yorkshire Post, Cheshire Life, Lancashire Living, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show and Radio 4 Woman's Hour.

GNCCFonline Gift Edition

• extensive promotion on our Facebook and Instagram to our 24,000 followers
• display ads in local publications on and offline
• cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities
• extensive web based and e marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 28,000 subscribers

 

 

 

 

 

 

All about your images

You will need to upload 6  product images onto the online application form.

Your images must be at least 1MB and no bigger than 3MB and be jpegs.  Should your images be larger than 3MB they will not upload. Please do not upload images less than 1MB as we are unable to use them in publicity.

Image 1 must be square for your website profile. If you upload landscape or portrait images we may need to crop them to make them square. If you have difficulties trying to crop images to make them square please upload the original image for selection and we will contact you for an alternative square image 1 should you be selected.  Images 2-6 can be either square, portrait or landscape.

Image uploading can take a while depending on your broadband speed - do not refresh the page as this will stop the uploading process.

We cannot accept TIF or PDF images.

Images should be of the work you intend to exhibit and be no more than 3 years old.

All images must be cleared for non-exclusive copyright so we can use them for publicity and promotion. (Please refer to the terms and conditions).

Labelling your images

It is very important you label your images as follows.  We ask them to be labelled in this way so we can send them to press - this is for your promotional benefit so please oblige.

Image 1 must be square

Image 1 will be the main image on your website entry. It will also be used for press and in social media promotion.

Please label this image on your upload as YOURNAME1 and save it as a jpeg ie ANNSMITH1.jpeg (You will need to save the image as this before uploading it).

Images 2-6

Please label all these images on your upload as YOURNAME2/3/4/5/6.

Some tips for sucessful images

A poor quality image can be a reason for not being selected. Here are some tips to increase your chance of success:

• Is your image sharp and in focus?
• Make sure the image isn't too dark or light
• Don’t photograph light coloured work against a light background or dark against dark.
• Work is judged on quality and consistency. Do your images form a consistent body of work?
• You may wish to show close up of detail, especially for textiles.
• Don't allow a model to dominate the photo - it's the work we want to see, not the person wearing it.
• Consider photographing your work on a white light box or plain background.
• It's worth investing in good photography. Bad photographs can mean your work gets rejected.
• It may also be useful in investing in some small lights if you choose to photograph your work yourself. 

 

Good photographs get used in promotional materials and press releases.  When phtographing your work please do some images on plain backgrounds so we can cut out the image and use it in our artwork. We also use these images for press.

If you are having problems uploading images please email for assistance.

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

 

 

Group Applications

We have a very limited number of 3x1 stands at GNCCF Newcastle that can be shared between two exhibitors. You can name who you wish to share with on the application form but both makers will need to apply and be selected; if only one of you is selected we will get in touch with other options.  

We do not accept group entries to share basic stands (and split the cost of the advertised fee) in the main body of the show at GNCCF Manchester and for other stand sizes at GNCCF Newcastle. However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives, student groups and galleries who may wish to stage a curated selling or non-selling exhibition or installation. Proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to space availability, and pricing will be higher than individual stands and dependent on your requirements and the value your group brings to the respective fair.

If you’d like to be considered, please email an outline of your proposal—confirming the number of participants and the space required—to: ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk 

All transactions are processed through Stripe and are secure.

• The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Newcastle and GNCCFonline are managed by Great Northern Events NW Ltd, a not for profit company registered in England, Company Reg No 6419531.
  Great Northern Events NW Ltd
  1 Norman Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4HJ
• www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• VAT registered VAT No 234847392
• In case of problems with submitting your payment please email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• The application fee is non refundable.
• The deposit and proportion of stand fees may be non refundable if you withdraw from the show at a later date. In the event that the organiser has to cancel - for example due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then full refunds, including deposits, will be given unless you decide to accept any alternative option offered by the organiser. For example, should they take the fair online, then a smaller participation fee will be charged and the difference will be refunded.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions for our payment terms and refund of stand fees policy should you withdraw your application once you have accepted your space.

Terms and Conditions

 

These T&C apply to Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, Great Northen Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle & GNCCFonline Gift Edition 2026.

In these Terms & Conditions the following definitions are: Organiser refers to Great Northern Events (NW) Ltd. Exhibitors refers to any persons selected to participate at any of the above fairs.

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair & Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair live events:

• Exhibitors must keep their stands open and attended by knowledgeable staff throughout the period of the event and wherever possible this should be the designer-maker
• Exhibitors may not sub-let space within the area allocated to them.
• Exhibitors must not display goods of an inflammable, noxious or obscene nature. Fabrics used on stands at live events for display purposes must be fireproofed (this does not include merchandise). The organiser will remove any such unsuitable material from the event.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage caused to the panels, flooring or stand fittings.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage they cause to event buildings/structures.
• Exhibitors may not move or install any lighting or electrical appliances without the written approval of the organiser. Any lighting or electrical appliance not supplied by the electrical contractor must be approved and PAT tested by either a qualified electrician in advance of the show for which proof may be required or on site by the contractor. This will incur an additional cost as detailed in the exhibitor manual and exhibiting fees of the website
• The organiser reserves the right to move stands and relocate space previously notified to exhibitors.
• The organiser reserves the right to cancel and/or amend the event if required by circumstances outside their control.
• The organiser accepts no liability for the loss or damage to exhibitors' work at any event, neither during the event, nor during setting-up or dismantling, nor during any emergency procedures (real or false alarms). Exhibitors are responsible for fixing their work securely to shelving and walls. Insurance is the responsibility of the individual exhibitor and the exhibitors must insure they are covered for all eventualities (including public liability insurance).

Payment Terms for Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle

A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 29th March 2026. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair this deposit will not be refunded.

The outstanding balance must be received by Sunday 10th May 2026. Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 11th May 2026 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees.

Exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 31st May 2026 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.

The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation. The exception to this would be if the organisers cancelled the fair due to Govt guidelines/legislation to stem the spread of COVID-19, in which case the deposit and any further payments made would be fully refunded. Should the exhibitor accept a digital or other alternative option to replace the cancelled fair, and this incurs a participation fee, then this amount will be subtracted from the total fees already paid by the exhibitor and a partial refund will be given for the difference.

If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full (unless an alternative option is accepted by the exhibitor - see point above - in which case a partial refund may be given) but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.

Payment Terms for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester

A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 29th March 2026. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair this deposit will not be refunded.

A second instalment of 50% of the outstanding balance must be received by Sunday 31st May 2026 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 16th August 2026.

Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 12th July 2026 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees. For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 16th August 2026 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.

The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation. The exception to this would be if the organisers cancelled the fair due to Govt guidelines/legislation to stem the spread of COVID-19, in which case the deposit and any further payments made would be fully refunded. Should the exhibitor accept a digital or other alternative option to replace the cancelled fair, and this incurs a participation fee, then this amount will be subtracted from the total fees already paid by the exhibitor and a partial refund will be given for the difference.

If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full (unless an alternative option is accepted by the exhibitor - see point above - in which case a partial refund may be given) but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.

For GNCCFonline Gift Edition:

A deposit of £40 for your exhibition package must be paid following acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 29th March 2026. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair after this date, your deposit will not be refunded.
Your outstanding balance must be paid by Sunday 20 September 2026.
Exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 20 September 2026 are liable for the total cost of the participation package.

For both live and online events:

The organiser reserves the right to withdraw their offer of space from any exhibitors owing monies to the organiser on any account.

All exhibitors should give full cooperation to the organisers and/or appointed publicity contractor in attempting to achieve coverage and promotion for the event.
Any agreements entered into by the exhibitor and an external contractor or supplier at the event, are the responsibility of the exhibitor and the organiser cannot accept liability for claims resulting from the failure of any of its contractors or suppliers to deliver goods or services.
Whilst the organiser takes every effort to ensure that exhibitors contact details are correct in the promotional material for the event, the organiser cannot accept responsibility for any errors published therein and the organiser shall have no liability to exhibitors for any claims resulting from such errors.

In consideration of the organisers assisting exhibitors in promoting their work, exhibitors must agree to grant the organisers a non-exclusive copyright licence for any promotional materials supplied to the organiser and/or its appointed publicity contractor, for the purpose of promoting and publicising their work and the event. In granting this licence exhibitors should be aware that the promotions may include the use of these materials on the internet and that images supplied may be scanned and held digitally for this purpose. The copyright is, and will continue to be, beneficially and solely owned by the exhibitor, who must ensure that it does not and will not, infringe on any other copyright and that no information contained in the materials is or shall be inaccurate, misleading or injurious.

Exhibitor Code of Conduct

• We ask all exhibitors to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic fair experience, whether in-person or online.
• As part of this, we do not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour, bullying or harrassment including any form of Racism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and Sexism. Such behaviour may include hostile or abusive comments or intimidating actions. If you see or hear such behaviour at one of our events, please talk to an organiser.
• Failure to make yourself aware of our exhibitor Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct, and follow them at all times may lead to you being asked to leave the fair without a refund of any fees paid.