One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to Manchester this autumn, and will be bringing more than 170 artists together under one roof.
Manchester Art Fair has gone from strength to strength since it first began back in 2008.
Not only one of the UK’s largest but also one of the most significant art fairs, and by far one of the most celebrated cultural events in Greater Manchester‘s social calendar, the annual event is known and loved for bringing together more than 170 individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces to our city centre – with around 13,000 visitors attending each year.
This year’s festival will feature more new exhibitors than ever before – with over a third of all exhibitors making their inaugural appearance.
Manchester Art Fair is making a grand return to the city centre next month / Credit: Manchester Art Fair
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are simply curious, the event will also feature lots of returning galleries and artists too, all of whom will be showing new works.
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Francis Iles Gallery and Linton 59 Gallery are among the newbies making their first appearance at the event in November, each showcasing works by an eclectic mix of UK and international artists, while Alec Cummings and Zoe Anker are just a couple of the stand-out names on the long list of individual artists who’ll be exhibiting.
And if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this year’s event also features an extended programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops too.
Details of this year’s speakers are being kept under wraps for now, but organisers have, however, teased that the programme will feature some of the most notable names from the world of art, music, and culture to date – including more than one Northern first.
Manchester Art Fair’s Director, Sophie Helm, said the anticipation for this year’s event is “building”.
“The number of applications for this year’s edition surpassed all expectations, making for an extremely challenging selection process,” she commented.
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More than 170 artists will gather together under one roof / Credit: Manchester Art Fair
“The final list of exhibitors is incredibly strong, presenting a more diverse range of work than ever before with a third of all exhibitors making their inaugural appearance at Manchester Art Fair.”
Manchester Art Fair 2024 will first open at Manchester Central with an exclusive preview night on Friday 15 November from 5-9pm, before it then continues on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, with advance tickets starting from £12 plus booking fee.
Advanced tickets are now live, and you can get your hands on them from the Manchester Art Fair website here.
Featured Image – Manchester Art Fair
What's On
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
A Medieval Faire with birds of prey and live demonstrations is coming to Manchester’s oldest building
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is going back to the Middle Ages this month as the city’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library for a day of history, live entertainment, and family fun.
The free event is taking place on Saturday 26 September, with the grounds of the historic building transformed into a medieval celebration from 11am to 4pm.
And with Chetham’s medieval buildings dating all the way back to 1421, there probably aren’t many more fitting places in Manchester to spend the day pretending you’ve stepped back several centuries.
Visitors can expect plenty going on throughout the day, including walking tours of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, birds of prey, specialist stalls, and live demonstrations showing what life was like during the medieval era.
There’ll also be historical re-enactors from Historia Normannis, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of the Middle Ages to life.
The event is being staged in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, with organisers hoping to get people of all ages interested in the city’s often-overlooked medieval history.
Julianne Simpson, Librarian at Chetham’s Library, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Medieval Faire back to Chetham’s.
The Manchester Medieval Faire returns this month
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover Manchester’s medieval heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and historical demonstrations.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Best of all, entry is completely free and you don’t need to book.
If you fancy going a bit deeper into Manchester’s history while you’re there, guided tours of Chetham’s Library will also be available to book on the day for £8.50 per person.
The tours offer visitors the chance to explore one of the UK’s most significant historic libraries and discover more about its collections, characters and stories.
So, if your weekend plans involve less brunch and more medieval re-enactments, birds of prey and wandering around one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, this one’s worth putting in the diary.
Emily Sergeant -
5th September 2024 
