Newcastle art and craft fair set for summer return
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair will bring more than 100 makers to the city this June with exhibitions, demos and a preview night
A major contemporary craft and art fair is set to return to Newcastle this summer, bringing more than 100 independent makers and artists to the city.
Following a successful debut, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle (GNCCF) will once again take over Northumbria University’s Sport Central in June, offering a four-day programme celebrating high-quality design, craftsmanship and creativity.
Running from June 18-21, the event will open with a preview evening before a full weekend of exhibitions, demonstrations and opportunities to meet artists working across disciplines including fine art, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and furniture.
Organised by the team behind the long-running Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester, the Newcastle edition launched for the first time in 2025 with the aim of establishing itself as a key date in the region’s cultural calendar.
Visitors can expect a curated selection of work from makers across the North East and the wider UK, with all exhibitors chosen by an independent panel of experts. Alongside browsing and buying one-of-a-kind pieces, audiences will also be able to gain insight into creative processes through live demonstrations and informal conversations with artists.
Among those returning this year is Northumberland-based studio PLYable Design, known for its distinctive furniture and lighting pieces. Owner Tom Ownsworth said: “As independent designers and makers based in the North East, it’s so important we have an exhibition of this calibre on our doorstep, so we can proudly exhibit our creations alongside exciting new artists from further afield.
“The collective creative talent on show will be very inspiring, for everyone, for those of us taking part, and for all the visitors we hope to meet. Our audience plays a vital role in maintaining and expanding the breadth and depth of our local studio scene; times are challenging, so their support is very much appreciated.”
The 2026 edition will also welcome new exhibitors, including textile artist Louise Brooke, who creates bespoke velvet banners. She said: “I’m delighted to be part of the GNCCF in Newcastle, to highlight the diverse range of artists and makers based in the North East.
“As a new maker, it can be challenging to be ‘seen’ amongst all the noise online - the fair enables me to showcase my work and it’s wonderful to be able to have real-world conversations with those visiting, who are interested in artist-made products.”
Event director Ann-Marie Franey said the return of the fair reflects both its strong reception and a wider ambition to build a lasting platform for makers in the region. She said: “Following a successful debut last summer where we had really positive feedback from our visitors and endorsement of funding from Arts Council England, we’re thrilled to be returning to Newcastle this June.
“Our ambition is to establish the Fair as an annual destination that celebrates the very best in contemporary craft and art. There is a huge amount of talent in this region, and having a fair of this calibre here gives makers and artists the opportunity to show their work to a wider audience without having to travel to fairs in the South.”
The fair will begin with a preview event on the evening of June 18, offering early access to exhibitors in a more relaxed setting, before opening fully from June 19-21. A pop-up café will also be available throughout the weekend.
Tickets are now available online at greatnorthernevents.co.uk with options ranging from single-day entry to full weekend passes.