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Chrysoula - 20th January 2022

Manchester Art Fair unveils ‘biggest lineup yet’ ahead of return this weekend

Emily Sergeant

Manchester Art Fair returns this weekend, and it’s now unveiled its ‘biggest lineup yet’.

The countdown is on, as one of the UK’s largest and most significant art fairs makes its way back to Manchester this weekend, bringing more than 180 exhibitors together all under one roof.

Manchester Art Fair has gone from strength to strength since it first began back in 2008, as the annual event is now by far one of the most celebrated cultural events in Greater Manchester‘s social calendar, and is known and loved for bringing together hundreds of individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces to our city centre – with around 13,000 visitors attending each year.

Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, Manchester Art Fair will feature lots of new and returning galleries and artists, all of whom will be showing new works.

From this Friday through to Sunday, Manchester Central will transform into the North’s biggest art gallery, where art enthusiasts can connect directly with galleries and artists and find that perfect piece to take home.

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The full exhibitor list for 2025 has now been published online.

Some of the highlights include nationally acclaimed Manchester oil painter and artist, Chloe Cox, who is renowned for her powerful depictions of Caribbean heritage, as well as Brighton-based textile artist Corinna Wilson, known professionally as Bob & Eve, and sculptor and painter Jamie Frost, whose bold works explore the tension between strength and vulnerability in the human form.

Iconic names Porsche and Boodles will also be debuting at this year’s fair, fusing art with exquisite design are luxury brands.

But this year’s event isn’t just for art collectors, as visitors can also enjoy an extended programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops too.

Manchester Art Fair is making a grand return to the city centre this weekend / Credit: Manchester Art Fair

TV scriptwriter Joe Tucker, Guardian journalist Eddy Frankel, and Art Newspaper critic and correspondent Louisa Buck are just some of the names set to host talks and Q&As this weekend.

Workshops visitors can take part in from just £10 per person include the chance to explore the art of expressive contemporary still life drawings, or travel the journey from realism to abstraction to create your own abstract art with inspiration from one of Europe’s most influential artists, Piet Mondrian.

And on Friday 21 November, two chefs from North West Michelin-starred restaurants will be preparing bespoke menus for leading art buyers and collectors. Paul Leonard – Head Chef at The Forest Side – and Ollie Bridgwater – Executive Chef at the Gilpin Hotel – will be working with work with Exec Chef Matthew Hagan and his team at Manchester Central.

Speaking ahead of the fair’s return this weekend, Sophie Helm, who is the Director at Manchester Art Fair, said: “This year’s programme features an exciting breadth of names, many of whom will be joining us in person to share the inspiration behind their work and journey as an artist, including a number of UK and Northern firsts.”

More than 180 exhibitors will all gather together under one roof / Credit: Manchester Art Fair

Sophie described this year’s fair as a ‘clear statement of intent’

“Culture is a driving force for commerce and community in our region, reflecting the fair’s growing influence and its ability to connect contemporary art with premium yet accessible lifestyle experiences,” she concluded.

Manchester Art Fair 2025 will first open at Manchester Central with an exclusive preview night on Friday 21 November from 5-9pm, before it then continues on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November, with tickets still available to grab.

Tickets are priced at £12 for a day ticket, £15 for a two-day ticket, or £25 for a preview night ticket, including access throughout the weekend, all with booking fees applying.

You can get tickets online here.

Featured Image – Manchester Art Fair (Supplied)

The Stone Roses’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield has died aged 63

Daisy Jackson The Stone Roses' Gary 'Mani' Mounfield has died aged 63

Tributes are pouring in for Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, after it was announced that the Stone Roses legend has died at the age of 63.

The bassist, who was also part of Primal Scream, was born in Crumpsall and has been one of Manchester’s most beloved musical figures ever since finding fame in the 1980s.

Mani’s brother Greg broke the news this afternoon, writing on Facebook: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.”

Mani’s wife Imelda also passed away in late 2023 after a battle with bowel cancer, for which the pair had raised money and awareness since her diagnosis.

That included a huge star-studded fundraising party where Mani and Imelda raised more than £100k for The Christie and local NHS charities.

Mani and Imelda shared twin sons, who were born in 2012.

Tributes are now flooding in for Mani, especially from those who have also been a part of the Manchester music scene.

Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown posted on X: “REST IN PEACE MANi X”

Rowetta shared a photo with Mani and Imelda and wrote: “Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”

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Tim Burgess of The Charlatans fame said: “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday. It never failed to bring a smile to my face – and that was exactly the same for the man himself.

“One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani x x. Never to be forgotten”

Shaun Ryder wrote: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family X”

Reverend and the Makers shared: “My heart is broken. Found out this morning and just felt low as it gets all day.

“Mani was my musical hero and just a lovely genuine human. When my Dad died , he offered me the warmest and best advice. No fuss, privately, straight up and always available to everyone.

“I’m a bit ill myself at the minute and not ashamed to say I shed at tear at the news. See on the next one mate.

“A true legend of the game. RIP”

Echo and the Bunnymen wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted to hear the news about Mani, who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother.

“I am in shock to be honest. Please tell me I’m just having a bad, bad dream. My thoughts and feelings and Mani, love to all of his family from me. Mac Bunnyman Xxx”

Featured image: Paul Husband