Festive Winter Fair at Victoria Baths
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
As it becomes officially the first acceptable day to play Christmas songs – not that the more mainstream retail outlets abide by this law – Victoria Baths is welcoming alternative shoppers to their Winter Fair. Expect to be enveloped in festive cheer by the baths in their fully decorated seasonal state as you glide through stalls hosted by Manchester’s finest makers, crafters and creators.
The 50 stalls feature everything from art, decorations, ceramics, clothing, glassware, jewellery and homeware. Giving you a wealth of inspiration to base your Christmas gift ideas on. If not, maybe too much choice. You can feel good about supporting local people in independent businesses while you shop at the Winter Fair. Often this time can be frantic with buying and lead to wasteful shopping habits that only benefit large brands. By buying gifts directly from independent makers you’re supporting the local economy and can trust in the sustainable practices of each artist.
Some of the names among stallholders include AI Bishop Ceramics, the place to check out for giftable homeware and decorative baubles. Dappled Sky’s characterful hand cast ceramics are a perfect choice for the more alternative and quirky home makers in your life.
Hoop and Thread will have sculptural arching embroideries for sale as well as do it yourself embroidery kits. A perfect present for curious young people, who don’t know where to start with a craft. Amongst the other artistic curiosities are Sunny Sunday with their crochet home decor that both practically and aesthetically fit well in any home. Or, Jon Paul Does Stuff’s Pop Art inspired sculpted paper plants, the ideal gift for those who struggle to keep real plants alive.
To really get you in the spirit the fair, will be accompanied by christmas choirs, mince pies and mulled wine. Making for a soul warming day to combat the ever growing cold outside. The day’s festivities will be held in the stunning pool halls of the baths whose glass roofs make the perfect filter for fresh winter air.
