A seasonal glow is being brought to one of Manchester’s favourite historic buildings, with the arrival of Victoria Bath’s Festive Winter Fair on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November (11.00 to 16.00).
The warm welcome begins from the Males First Class Ticket Office, which in a complete first and for one weekend only, will become Santa’s Grotto. Children will be able to join Santa by the original fireplace in this iconic part of the building, where they’ll also receive an individual gift.
And Santa will have no problems finding Manchester’s Water Palace, by looking out for the huge chimney that once served the building, it is just hoped he does not get stuck in it! Whether you have been naughty or nice, you are invited to visit Santa in a grotto quite unlike any other!
Presenting a special Victoria Baths festive shopping experience will be over 50 handpicked stalls that assembled in the Sports Hall bring together an array of high quality, crafted jewellery, ceramics, art, print work, textiles, candles, edibles and festive decorations from local makers and artisans.
In the Tea Room mulled wine and mince pies will be served alongside sandwiches, cakes, scones and drinks. The Gift Shop is the place for stocking fillers and presents that have a distinctly Victoria Baths appeal to them.
The musical accompaniment to the shopping and festive fun comes in the form of two choirs, with the Artful Playgroundperforming on Saturday and The Music Place filling the Gala Pool with their pitch-perfect sounds on Sunday.
For those curious about the stories behind Manchester’s magnificent Water Palace, the Discover Victoria Baths guided tour is just the ticket. Victoria Baths guides will share all the inside information about the Baths’ history and in the Off-Limits tour, they also take visitors to the lesser-known parts of the building. If you are a Peaky Blinders fan this tour is a must! Discover Victoria Baths and Off-Limits, tours start from 12 noon and are bookable in advance or on arrival.
Admission is £5, or £10 including a guided tour. Admission is free for children under 16 years old and Friends of Victoria Baths (visitors can join the Friends membership scheme on the day to gain free entry).
Santa’s Grotto is open throughout each day of the Festive Winter Fair. Tickets are £6.50 per child, which includes meeting Santa, a gift and free entry to the Festive Winter Fair for the child and one accompanying adult. A place must be booked for each child and you can do so here.
All the money raised from Victoria Baths’ weekend events helps to keep this beautiful building open to the general public and supports the Trust’s long-term vision to bring back into their original use some of the building’s historical features, including the Turkish Baths.
