Creative makers fairs mark reopening of Victoria Baths

A series of creative makers fairs are about to brighten up the weekends as Victoria Baths relaunches its events programme.

Taking place across two weekends in May, the fairs are designed specifically to give much-needed support to independent makers and businesses.

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 striking 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.

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.

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 glory.

Then on the weekends of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June and Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th, June Victoria Baths will hold its first ever Vegan and Ethical Markets.

Full details and timings of the events will be released shortly, together with booking details.

“We are so excited about these vibrant events taking place at Victoria Baths again and the building being enjoyed by people once more,” said Elizabeth Sibbering, Victoria Baths.

“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 entry fee has been reduced as the event will be smaller scale than those held at Victoria Baths in the past, to ensure the current COVID-19 guidelines are followed. 

All tickets are timed entry, with visitor numbers capped, plus one-way routes, well-spaced stalls, hand sanitiser stations, friendly volunteer ushers and more will ensure a safe and relaxed experience for everyone.

All the money raised from Victoria Baths’ events helps to keep this beautiful building open for everyone to enjoy.

“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,” said Kat Mulhall, Victoria Baths.

The creative makers fairs will take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May, and Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May, 11am to 5pm. Entry is £3 (free for Friends of Victoria Baths and under 16s) with booking in advance required via vbmakersfair.eventbrite.com.