Celebrated Newcastle Arts Fair Back for Second Year After Successful 2025 Debut
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle is set to return to the heart of the city this summer after last year’s success
● The event will showcase fine art, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, furniture, ceramics and more from a handpicked selection of over 100 independent makers and fine artists
● The event is being brought back to the North East in 2026 by the team behind the award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester
A special event showcasing the incredible work of over 100 independent makers and fine artists to North East arts & crafts collectors and enthusiasts is set to return to the region this June.
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair Newcastle (GNCCF) will once again take place at Northumbria University’s Sport Central in the heart of the city, following its successful Newcastle debut in 2025.
This year’s weekend-long celebration of high end fine art and crafts will begin with an exclusive Preview on Thursday 18th June from 6pm to 9pm, where attendees can meet the makers and fine artists in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, get early shopping access to the many highly skilled, beautifully designed and creatively ambitious pieces on offer, with a bar available to enjoy a drink as they browse.
The fair will continue on Friday 19th June and Saturday 20th June from 10am to 5pm, before finishing on Sunday 21st June from 10am to 4pm. Across the weekend, visitors will be able to learn more about the variety of crafts on display, buy one-of-a-kind items and relax in the pop-up café onsite.
Exhibitors include a wide range of innovative makers and fine artists from across the North East and wider UK, who will be showcasing their unique works - as well as giving a glimpse into their creative and technical skills with live demonstrations.
Northumberland-based PLYable Design will be returning to the event for a second year, showcasing their unique furniture, lighting, and playful pieces crafted at their studio in Blyth.
Tom Ownsworth, owner of PLYable Design, commented: “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.”
GNCCF newcomer and local textile artist Louise Brooke will also be showcasing her range of bespoke velvet banners. Louise 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."
Ann-Marie Franey, Director of GNCCF Newcastle, added: "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.”
To learn more and buy tickets, go to www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk.
Featured image credit: Von Fox
