Exhibit with us

 

Save the Dates for our 2025 Fairs and...

!!Announcing a NEW SUMMER GNCCF!!

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Newcastle 20-22 June 2025

&

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester 16-19 October 2025

&

GNCCFonline 29-30 November 2025 

Applications for all our 2025 fairs open from 17 January - 28 February 2025.

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Sell your work at the most respected contemporary craft fairs in the North!

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs (GNCCF) are nationally renowned as the premier-selling events in the North of England.

Featuring c150 of the UK’s finest designer-makers, each fair presents a carefully curated line-up, selected by an independent panel of experts, to celebrate the highest standards of work. GNCCF offers makers an unparalleled platform to connect with an engaged and knowledgeable audience of buyers and collectors.

Exciting news for 2025: we’re launching a brand-new summer event in the vibrant city of Newcastle! GNCCF Newcastle will take place at Northumbria University’s Sports Central from 20-22 June. This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase your work in an exciting new setting to meet and develop a new customer base for your work.

Additionally, our much-loved GNCCF Manchester returns to the iconic Victoria Baths to celebrate its 18th edition from 16-19 October. This longstanding event continues to be a highlight in the craft calendar, drawing a dedicated audience year after year.

And we round off the year with our online Christmas pop-up. Newly named, GNCCFonline Gift Edition will take place over the weekend of 29–30 November.

Apply now to be part of these unmissable events and join the UK’s leading designer-makers at the forefront of contemporary craft.

“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 2024

 

At GNCCF, we welcome talented makers from all craft disciplines and at all stages of their practice, from the well-established to emerging new talent, whatever their background or professional qualifications. You can be based in the UK or abroad.  We encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class. We're also keen to attract makers whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places.

 

About GNCCF Newcastle

We are excited to launch a new summer GNCCF in Newcastle from 20-22 June. It will take place in the Main Arena at Northumbria University's Sports Central in the city centre and feature c140 exhibitors.

GNCCF Newcastle is a white shell-scheme exhibition stand event. It will have a subsidised area for new makers in business less than 2 years (see Bursaries section below). There will be an on-site cafe, exhibitor lounge, exhibitor storage area and quiet lounge within the show space.

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.

We're offering 'Newcastle New Maker' bursaries for 20 new makers at GNCCF Newcastle, and 2 'Levelling Up' bursaries to makers who are based in Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places. See the application guildelines or the application form for details and how to apply.

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.  

The venue is on the ground floor and easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from the Haymarket Metro Station and main bus station, Newcastle Univeristy campus and Northumberrland Street, the city's main shopping area. There are many public car parks a short walk away.

Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward; exhibitors can park on-site to unload, then move their vehicle to one of the nearby public car parks.  

There are hotels to cater for all budgets a short walk away and in local suburbs within easy reach by public transport.

We take no commission on sales.

About GNCCF Manchester 

GNCCF takes place in Victoria Baths, one of Manchester’s favourite heritage attractions and home to many other arts and cultural events, including Chanel's prestigious Metiers d'Art Exhibition in 2023. 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 interiors provide a fitting backdrop to explore 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 nestled in the venue's quirky spaces from the changing cubicles and Turkish Baths to the old staff living quarters upstairs.

“Such a warm and supportive atmosphere, an amazing event.” - GNCCF Exhibitor 2024

GNCCF Manchester is primarily a white shell-scheme exhibition stand event but we also have a range of more affordable options for new makers, such as table-tops on the upstairs balcony.

Once again, we are delighted to have secured funding from The Radcliffe Trust to offer 10 bursaries for new makers (in business less than 2 years). See application guidelines or application form on how to apply for these.

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.

Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward; exhibitors can park on-site to unload, then move their vehicle 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 or local suburbs, all within easy reach by public transport.

We take no commission on sales.

“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 2024

 

About GNCCFonline Christmas Gift Edition : 29-30 November 2025

Our newly named Christmas pop-up, GNCCFonline Gift Edition, is an accessible and affordable online event that allows you to showcase and sell your work under the respected GNCCF brand - without the costs of attending a physical fair.

Marketed as a dedicated Christmas shopping event and promoted to our mailing list of over 28,000 craft buyers and 24,000 social media followers, GNCCFonline Gift Edition offers an excellent opportunity to connect with a wide, engaged audience actively seeking unique Christmas gifts.

The event is ideal for emerging makers, those new to the market, or anyone unable to attend in-person fairs. It’s also a valuable follow-up for exhibitors from GNCCF Newcastle or GNCCF Manchester, helping convert interest from these events into sales. Makers with online stores (via their website, Etsy, Folksy, etc.) will particularly benefit from this digital platform.

"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 products (including images and descriptions) for visitors to buy, along with links to their online shops. We take no commissions on sales and all transactions are handled by the exhibitor. Exhibitors' shop portals will remain open until 31st December 2025 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 2024

 

Business Support. We offer the opportunity to boost your business further with a package of 'Get Fair Ready' webinars delivered in partnership with The Design Trust and a series of Maker Development workshops, aimed at new makers, delivered in partnership with Creative Industries Trafford. 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

 

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Application Guidelines

Applications open 17 January-28 February 2025.

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 Fair Newcastle and/or Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, and/or GNCCFonline Christmas 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 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 square, portrait or landscape.

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.

APPLY HERE

Exhibitor Contact Details

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. Jane 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. Exhibition package details are listed in a drop-down on the Exhibit with us page.

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 and Levelling Up Bursaries

We are offering 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 Levelling Up areas, 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 Levelling Up for Culture 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-and-levelling-culture-places.

GNCCF Manchester - Radcliffe Trust Bursaries

We are working with the Radcliffe Trust once again to offer 10 makers who are within 2 years of starting their business, who are selected for GNCCF, 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.  

START YOUR APPLICATION

 

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair  Manchester : £18 (inc VAT)

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Newcastle: £12 (inc VAT)

For GNCCFonline Gift Edition : £8 (inc VAT)

For all fairs : £35 (inc VAT)

For both GNCCF Newcastle & Manchester : £28 (inc VAT)

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 Fair, Northumbria University Newcastle: 20-22 June 2025

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
• white plywood shell scheme, space with two spotlights

Newcastle exhibitor package fees 2025 

The following stands are all white plywood shell scheme stands with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spotlights.

2x1m £390+VAT (see details about GNCCF Newcastle New Maker Bursaries in guideline and the application form)

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 £350+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 The above details are also on the 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.8 

We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share a stand. However, we are interested in hearing from groups, organisations, universities, collectives and galleries who may wish to stage a selling/non selling exhibition or installation. This is subject to space being available. Please email an outline of your proposals detailing number of participants and space required to ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

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 £18+VAT. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Victoria Baths Manchester: 16-19 October 2025

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 - white plywood 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 2025:

Table top/space only balcony upstairs inc 1800x750 table, £295+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, £340+VAT

The following stands are all white plywood shell scheme stands  with wall heights of 2.44m and the costs include two spotlights.

2x1m £430+VAT

2x1.5m £575+VAT

3x1m £585+VAT (limited availability)

3x1.5m £680+VAT (limited availability) 

4x1m £685

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. 

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 October - 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. Tables 1800mm long x600mm deep x 730mm high can be hired from organiser at cost of £18 +VAT. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.

We do not accept applications from groups wishing to share 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 selling/non selling exhibition or installation. This is subject to space being available. Please email an outline of your proposals detailing number of participants and 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:  29-30 November 2025 (shops remain open til 31 Dec)

Participation fee: £85 (+VAT) or discounted package deal of £65 (+VAT) if 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

 

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

We do not accept painting, drawing, graphic design, photography, giclee prints of original artworks or greeting card makers, 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 experts, based on their submitted images.

For all our fairs, we welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, 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 or mobility issue, 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 craft experts and changes annually.

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

All applicants will be notified of the selection panel's decision from end of March 2025.

 

GNCCF Manchester & GNCCF Newcastle

GNCCF Manchester is one of the leading and most establised craft fairs in the UK, attracting makers and visitors from across the country. Celebrating its 18th year in 2025,  it is a much anticipated event in the North's cultural calendar.

“It's always been a pleasure to exhibit at GNCCF - which is one of my favourites! Being at Victoria Baths this year, added to the experience. It was great to see so many visitors make the trip to see us there.”

“It was my first live GNCCF and turned out to be the best, most successful show I’ve ever done. My work was very well received and my sales were great. Definitely worth the extra preparations.”

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 via Culture Calling, the region's premier arts listing and distribution agency to the region's 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

Here's what our exhibitors say about us...

“Glorious quirky venue, buzzing crowd, beautiful work, wonderful people, and all very well organised!”

“It's always been a pleasure to exhibit at GNCCF - which is one of my favourites! Being at Victoria Baths this year, added to the experience. It was great to see so many visitors make the trip to see us there.”

“Superbly organised and friendly. Very busy, lots of sales.”

“Really well organised and with lots of visitors. The marvellous venue only added to the fantastic experience.”

“GNCCF  was my first big craft fair and I couldn’t fault a thing. It was so well organised that it has certainly set the bar for my experience of exhibiting with other fairs in the future.”

“As our official launch, the help we received from the organisers prior to the event put our minds to rest. Great communication throughout. Loved the Private View. Beautiful venue and the helpers were fantastic!”

"Great exposure in the North. The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is on a par with the London shows and one of my favourite shows on the circuit."

“It was my first live GNCCF and turned out to be the best, most successful show I’ve ever done. My work was very well received and my sales were great. Definitely worth the extra preparations.”

"GNCCF has led to some great professional development opportunities for me, including a solo show at the prestigious Blackwell House in Cumbria."  

"I receive orders throughout the year from GNCCF customers." 

"The GNCCF give me great exposure and positive brand association;  it's great to exhibit alongside exceptionally good talent;  and my business benefits from lots of gallery interest and follow up sales throughout the year." 

"The social media campaign was excellent and the show was very well advertised; constantly a good show for me." 

 

 

 

 

 

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 in the main body of the show at GNCCF Manchester and for other stand sizes at GNCCF Newcastle. However we do have other spaces within both fairs where we may consider large group exhibition stands from organisations, universities and collectives.

If you are am organsiation, university/college or a collective of makers, or gallery and have a proposal for a showcase/installation/exhibition at GNCCF Newcastle or GNCCF Manchester we will be happy to consider it.  

This is subject to availability of space. The cost will depend on the proposal - please email us with details

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

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs & GNCCFonline 2025

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 The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair or GNCCFonline.

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft 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 GNCCF Newcastle

• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair ( also known as GNCCF) Newcastle  must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 13th April 2025. 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 11th May 2025 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 8th June 2025. 
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 11th May 2025 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees.
• Exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 1st June 2025 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 GNCCF Manchester

• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair ( also known as GNCCF) Manchester must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 4th May 2025. 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 15th June 2025 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 17th August 2025. 
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 13th July 2025 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 17th August 2025 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 4th May 2025. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair after this date, your deposit will not be refunded.
• Your outstanding balance must be paid by Sunday 21st September 2025.
• Exhibitors who cancel on or after Friday 3rd  October 2025 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.