A series of Creative Makers Fairs are about to brighten up the weekends ahead and signify the return of Victoria Baths’ events programme. The Fairs take place across two weekends in May and bring with them the chance to enjoy again the pleasure of days out and delight of discovering something new that everyone’s been waiting for. They also mark the beginning of an events programme that will unfold across the year, with further details and dates to be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May and Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, 11.00am to 5.00pm the Creative Makers Fairs are designed specifically to give much-needed support to independent makers and businesses.
Kat Mulhall, Events Manager for Victoria Baths, says, “Victoria Baths is an active member of the Manchester community and it’s extremely important to us that our reopening events support some of the small independent businesses that have previously taken part in our activities, and to give local people an event to look forward to.”
The handmade products and gifts that will be on offer from independent makers at the Creative Makers Fairs will be a feast for the eyes and sheer bliss for all those who have missed the joy of shopping. Ideas for the home, textiles, art, gifts and jewellery will be just some of the products being showcased by independent makers and businesses from Manchester and the North West. Stallholders will be dotted throughout the Grade II* listed building, giving visitors the chance to soak up the Victoria Baths experience; the vast pool halls, colourful stained glass, and iconic tiles. Some of the stallholders are returning to Victoria Baths from previous events and others will be making their debut appearance; all have had a challenging 12 months and are relishing the possibility to see their customers face-to-face.
Elizabeth Sibbering, Business Operations Manager at Victoria Baths, says, “We are so excited about these vibrant events taking place at Victoria Baths again and the building being enjoyed by people once more. It’s hard to believe that we haven’t been able to run any of our own public events since November 2019 and wonderful to be able to support some of the amazing independent businesses that are based in and around Manchester.
“Without the help of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund and the unwavering commitment of our friends and supporters from Manchester and beyond we wouldn’t be here, which makes the thought of people again spending time here in our beautiful spaces even more special.”
The Fairs will also be the first time that two large newly-restored stained glass windows in the Females Pool will be revealed, which were fully restored and re-installed just before lockdown in March 2020. With the late spring sunshine streaming through the windows visitors will be able to see them in all their stunning glory.
Entry is £3 (free for Friends of Victoria Baths and under 16s) with booking in advance required via https://vbmakersfair.
All the money raised from Victoria Baths’ events helps to keep this beautiful building open for everyone to enjoy. For further information on Victoria Baths visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk
