For Exhibitors

GNCCF Manchester: 10-13 October 2019

Applications open 14 January 2019

The award-winning GNCCF is the longest running contemporary craft fair in the North and is well regarded by designer makers, and a much anticipated event in Manchester's cultural calendar. It features 150 exhibitors and attracts 6000 visitors over the course of 4 days.  It takes place indoors in  a Victorian market hall, Upper Campfield Market, a hidden gem, just off Deansgate, Manchester's main thoroughfare, and directly opposite the Hilton Hotel in the city's landmark Beetham Tower. 

Owned by Manchester City Council, Upper Campfield Market Hall hosts many cultural and food events, and is one of the main venues for Manchester International Festival. It is heated and well lit and retains many original features including a grand metal girded and glass roof.

The GNCCF will also feature artist demos and the Great Northern Graduate Showcase. There will be a cafe on site and the venue is surrounded by trendy cafe bars and restaurants.  

GNCCF Manchester will consist of white plywood exhibition stands.

The venue is easily accessible, just a 3 min walk from Deansgate train and tram station and a five minute walk from the main shopping centre. There are may car parks within 3 mins walk. Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward - exhibitors can park around the rear and side of the venue to unload, then move their cars to one of the nearby public car parks.  

There are many hotels to cater for all budgets within walking distance, from the YHA 5 mins away to the Hilton across the road. The Deansgate Locks Premier Inn is 10 mins walk away.  

GNCCF Sheffield: 12-14 July 2019

Following the successful launch of GNCCF Sheffield in 2018, we are pleased to announce the return of GNCCF Sheffield to the Millennium Gallery, part of Museums Sheffield, in the heart of the city. 

It will feature approximately 75 exhibitors in a white plywood shell scheme show.

The venue is easily accessible, just a 3 min walk from Sheffield's main station, nearby tram stations and the main shopping centre. There are may car parks within a short walk. Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward - exhibitors can park around the rear of the venue to unload, then move their cars to one of the nearby public car parks.  

There are many hotels to cater for all budgets within walking distance.

 

GNCCF Newcastle 

We are hoping to announce the dates and venue of GNCCF Newcastle 2019 soon. The shows will feature 50 exhibitors and will be a selected table top fair.  Priority will be given to Northern based makers, particularly those from the North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria, the Borders, Northumberland & North West.

 

Applications open for GNCCF Manchester and GNCCF Sheffield are now open.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MIDNIGHT 24 February 2019

We welcome applications from designers, makers and artists working in ceramics, jewellery, glass, basket-making, silver and metal smithing, book-making, paper, stationary, wood, plastics, mixed media, furniture, fashion textiles and accessories, fashion design, shoe design, millinery, interior textiles and home-wares, product design and print making. 

We do not accept painting, drawing, graphic design, photography or greeting card makers, nor do we accept hand-made candles or soaps and toiletries.

We welcome applications from new and established makers and offer a discount for new makers who have been in business 3 years or less.

Applications must be from the designer-maker and work must not be mass produced. We do not accept imported goods, not made by yourself.

We welcome applications from both UK and international makers.

Interested in demonstrating your craft?

We are also interested to hear from makers who would like to demonstrate their craft as well as sell.  Please complete this section of the on-line application form.

Applications for GNCCF Newcastle TBA. If you are interested in applying email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk and we will send you details of the dates and venue and how to apply, once the fair is confirmed.

Interested in applying for the Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair taking place Sunday 8 December 2019 at Altrincham Town Hall?  Register your interest by emailing ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk.  NB:  We may also do a LNCCF in May 2019 - details tbc.

The GNCCFs are selected shows. During the selection process all six of your images will be projected simultaneously onto a screen. The selection panel will decide which exhibitors are chosen for each show. The panel is made up of craft experts and changes annually.

There will be a reserve list of exhibitors, who will be contacted should additional space become available.

Applications for GNCCF Manchester and GNCCF Sheffield 2019 are now open and close midnight 24 February.

 

Details for all GNCCF Manchester, GNCCF Sheffield and GNCCF Newcastle are below - please scroll down to each show

GNCCF Manchester 10-13 October 2019

For a new maker (in business for less than 3 years), the standard exhibition package based on a stand 2m wide by 1.5m deep ie 3sqm: £375+VAT  = £450

for an established maker (in business 3 years or more), the standard exhibition package based on a stand  2m wide by 1.5m deep ie 3sqm:  £475 +VAT = £570

We also offer the following exhibition packages and whilst we will do our best to accommodate your request we cannot guarantee availability:

3x1m stand: New maker cost £375+VAT; establiished maker cost £475+VAT

3X1.5m stand: New maker cost £485+VAT =£582; established maker £585 +VAT=£702

4X1m stand: New maker cost £450+ VAT= £540; established maker £550+ VAT=£660

4x1.5m stand: New maker cost £590+VAT=£708; established maker £690+VAT=£828.

Alumni of the Crafts Council's Hothouse Programme from cohorts 6, 7 and 8 are eligible to apply for a 2x1m stand in the Hothouse Showcase at the reduced rate of £250+VAT =£300

Please select your preferred stand size from the drop down menu on the application form which details the above exhibtion packages and respective costs. 

Additional costs:

• Electrical sockets, extra lighting (over and above the 2 spotlights provided as part of the package) can be ordered at an extra cost via the electrical contractors. Order before Sept 1st powerpoint costs £32; cost of extra spot light is £24. After this date cost for powerpoint is £40 and for spotlight £30. PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subequent items.
• Furniture hire. Please note we do not supply tables, chairs or display furniture as part of the package. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.

 Total costs include:

• white plywood exhibition stand (can drill and hang work from walls)
• 2 spotlights
• fascia board with your name
• image, 15 word description, email and website in full colour show catalogue which is included in show entrance fee
• 6 images,40- 50 word description, email and website link on GNCCF website
• exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms ( facebook, twitter etc). Views of GNCCF Facebook of over 50k/week (source Facebook analytics) and over 500k/week account impressions of GNCCF Twitter ( source: Tweetreach analytics). 
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 10,000
• exhibitor storage area
• 4 complimentary tickets to show and or Preview
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• extensive national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work
• printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks
• exhibitor awards

POP UP STUDIOS FOR MAKER DEMONSTRATIONS:

We are also interested to hear from makers who would like to demonstrate their craft as well as sell.  Please complete this section of the application form. Free extra space may apply at organiser's discretion.

For GNCCF Sheffield - 12-14 July 2019

For a new maker (in business for less than 3 years):

2x1m stand: £200+VAT = £240

2x1.5m stand: £275+VAT = £330

For an established maker (in business 3 years or more):

2x1m stand: £250+VAT = £300

2x1.5m stand: £350+VAT = £420

Additional costs:

• Electrical sockets, extra lighting (over and above the 2 spotlights provided as part of the package) can be ordered at an extra cost via the electrical contractors.  Powerpoint costs £32; cost of extra spot light is £24 if ordered in advance ( dates TBC). PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subequent items.
• Furniture hire. Please note we do not supply tables, chairs or display furniture as part of the package. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.

 Total costs include:

• white plywood exhibition stand (can drill and hang work from walls)
• 2 spotlights
• fascia board with your name
• image, 15 word description, email and website in full colour show catalogue which is included in show entrance fee
• 6 images,40- 50 word description, email and website link on GNCCF website
• exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms ( facebook, twitter etc). Views of GNCCF Facebook of over 50k/week (source Facebook analytics) and over 500k/week account impressions of GNCCF Twitter ( source: Tweetreach analytics). 
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 10,000
• exhibitor storage area
• 4 complimentary tickets to show and or Preview
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• extensive national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work
• printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks

 

For GNCCF Newcastle - dates TBA

This is a smaller table top event.  The cost for both new and established makers is £150 +VAT or £165 +VAT including 1800x750 size table hire.  The package also includes:

• 4 images,40- 50 word description, email and website link on GNCCF website
• promotion through our  social media platforms ( facebook, twitter etc). Views of GNCCF Facebook of over 50k/week (source Facebook analytics) and over 500k/week account impressions of GNCCF Twitter ( source: Tweetreach analytics). 
• show promotion via our newsletter 
• exhibitor storage area
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• digital promotional materials to send to your networks

 

For GNCCF Manchester : £15

For GNCCF Sheffield:      £10

For GNCCF Newcastle:      £5

To apply for all shows:    £25

 

You will be prompted to pay the application fee  on completion of the on line application when you will be redirected PayPal. The application form will not be submitted without this payment. This fee is non-refundable. It will go towards covering the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure.

"Great exposure in the North.  The GNCCF is on a par with the London shows" 

"Brilliantly organised, thoroughly enjoyed the event, fab venue, great sales and fantastic social media exposure for my business"  

 

The Fair is a popular highlight in the North's cultural calendar and is supported by Manchester City Council, Manchester Markets, Marketing Manchester and Arts Council England North West.

MARKETING

The GNCCF is advertised and promoted nationally, with a strong campaign in the North of England and a particular focus in Manchester and the North West.

This marketing campaign includes:

• distribution of 120,000 leaflets via Culture Calling, the region's premier arts listing and distribution agency to the region's major galleries, musuems and arts venues, universities, cafes and bars, city centre offices and selected door to door postcodes and city centre hand to hand)
• display advertising in magazines
• digital advertising
• regional outdoor advertising
• cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities
• extensive web based and e marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 8000 subscribers
• extensive social media promotion via facebook, twitter and instagram

 The GNCCF has generated a PR value in excess of £425K over the last two years, with editorial in the Sunday Times, Observer, Mail on Sunday, Guardian Weekend, Independent, Living etc, Elle Decoration, Homes and Antiques, World of Interiors, House & Garden, Country Living, Art Quarterly, Selvedge, Craft, Ceramic Review, Craft & Design, Manchester Evening News, Yorkshire Post, Cheshire Life, Lancashire Living, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show and Radio 4, Woman's Hour.

EXHIBITOR TESTIMONIALS

"Great exposure in the North.  The GNCCF is on a par with the London shows,"  Jane Dzisiewski, jeweller

"Nicest show I've been to. Organisers were friendly, well organised and competent, visitors were well informed and receptive and there was an excellent standard of exhibitors," Julia Linstead, glass-maker

"GNCCF has led to some great professional development opportunities for me, including a solo show at the prestigious Blackwell House in Cumbria,"  Emilie Taylor, ceramicist.

"I receive orders throughout the year from GNCCF customers,"  Emily Thatcher, Jeweller.

"The overall feel of the event was amazing - one of the  best I have attended.  The marketing is excellent and the demographic of the audience was spot on." Red Thumb Print Design, wood & furniture

"The GNCCF give me great exposure and positive brand association;  it's great to exhibit alongside exceptionally good talent;  and my business benefits from lots of gallery interest and follow up sales throughout the year," Vinegar & Brown Paper, glass ware.

"Good to be approached by lots of trade and gallery buyers  from across the UK at the GNCCF,"  Theo Wright, weaver and Crafts Council Hothouse participant.

"Big effect on work outside show; had 3 gallery enquiries and other retail offers and great networking with other makers," Lisa Slinn, ceramicist

"Great organisation, great volunteers to help with set up and breakdown ( invaluable when on your own!), my favourite show of the year, massive thanks," Homefront Vintage, textile designer

"The Facebook campaign was excellent and the show was very well advertised; constantly a good show for me," Chris Boland, jeweller

"Thank you for an amazing event! It was my first so I didn't really know what to expect, but what ever it was the fair exceeded all my expectations," Marina Bauguil, ceramicist

 

Applications are now open for GNCCF Sheffield & Manchester and close midnight Sunday 24 February 2019.

PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES BELOW BEFORE APPLYING 

Interested in applying for LNCCF Newcastle?

We have yet to confirm GNCCF Newcastle. If you also wish to be considered for this fair, please tick the box on the the form and we will email you with further details. You will not need to re-complete the application form but there will be a £5 additional application fee to pay for. 

If you are only interested in applying to Newcastle then please register your interest by emailing ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk. For more details please refer to "About GNCCF" in Show Info/For exhibitors drop down menu.

APPLICATION FORM GUIDELINES

The application form is for applying to the 12th edition of GNCCF Manchester and  the second edition of GNCCF Sheffield

The application form must be completed in full and submitted on-line. If you wish to apply for more than one show you only need to complete the application form once. On completion of the form you will be directed to PayPal to process your application fee(s).  

When you click on apply now you will be asked to register with your name and email address. Once you have registered you will be directed to a link to the application form. Please note you will also receive this link by email.  If you complete the application form through the former registration link you do not need to click again on the link in the email. You will be notified on screen when your application and payment have been submitted. Please do not complete another form via the email if you have already completed the form on registering!

The form is simple to complete and you can save it and return to it at a later date - however we advise that you upload your images all in one go.  Image 1 MUST BE SQUARE.

If you have problems uploading images check that each image is under 3MB in size and that they are labelled with the suffix .jpeg. or .jpg.

PLEASE REFER TO "IMAGES AND COYRIGHT SECTION" FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING YOUR IMAGES BEFORE SELECTING AND UPLOADING YOUR IMAGES.

You will need the following information in order to complete the application form.

INFORMATION FOR ORGANISERS USE ONLY: (These will not be published)

Personal details: name and contact details.  Description of the work featured in your images, including dimension, retail price. 

WEBSITE PROFILE:

DESCRIPTION: You will need to write a max of 50 words to describe you and your work to be written in the third person ie. Ann-Marie is a ceramicist and works from her studio in Manchester.  You could include details of materials, techniques, inspiration, your background, where you work from, any importants awards or commissions . This will be published on the website so needs to be grammatically correct. People who engage with your story are more likely to buy from you.

PERSONAL DETAILS: Please state here the details you wish to be published on the website. Please think carefully about the following questions regarding your website profile:

Personal name or business name?

Best email address for customers?

Please note we no longer publish your address or mobile/landline.

Please note the details you submit in this part of the form are automatically uploaded onto the website, should you be selected, so it's very important this paragraph is grammatically correct - do check for typos.

CATALOGUE PROFILE:

DESCRIPTION: You will need to write a maximum of 15 words describing your work in the third person.

PERSONAL DETAILS: Please state here the email and website details you wish to be published in the catalogue. Again you need to think carefully regarding details of your catalogue profile (see above). The organisers are not liable for any errors in either of your profiles so please check for typos.

LIST QUALIFICATIONS, SIGNIFICANT EXHIBITIONS & COMMISSIONS

In this section please state what qualifications/experience you have relating to your practice and any signicant achievements such as exhibitions or interesting commissions. Please also mention other fairs/shows you have been selected for.  It does not have to be a comprehensive list.  This section is to inform our selectors should they request the information, especially if they are not familiar with your work. 

Please also list here any interesting facts about you or your work, which may make a press story eg. change of career or unusual background or route into your craft.  We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have stylish/quirky homes or studios or who have interesting collections of craft etc.  Think about what you like to read about and if you think you have a story that would be of interest to others, tell us.

EXHIBITION PACKAGES

These are listed by stand size in the drop down menu and VAT will need to be added.  Please refer to Exhibition package costs for current costs in exhibitor info section of website.

As we appreciate majority of makers are not VAT registered we have reduced our fees slightly to minimise the additional cost of VAT to you. 

Please select the package you would like. Should you be selected, we will get in touch with you if we are unable to offer you the stand size you have requested and offer you an alternative.  If you are selected and prefer to be on an end or near another exhibitor please contact us once you have accepted your space.

New maker rates are for those in business 3yrs or less. 

Hothouse stands are only available to participants of the Crafts Council Hothouse scheme from the past 3 years. 

INTERESTED IN DEMONSTRATING?

We may have space for exhibitors who wish to demonstrate on their stands.  If this is of interest please state the skills you would demonstrate and any extra space you would need for equipment and proximity to utilities if required. Extra space will be given free of charge. Please note we cannot guarantee extra space to demonstrate.  Should you be selected for the GNCCF we will get in touch to discuss the possibility of demonstrating on your stand or at some other area of the show. 

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A WORKSHOP?

GNCCFLive is our outreach work which delivers high quality craft workshops led by GNCCF exhibitors to people from vulnerable and disadvatanged backgrounds living in Gorton, a very deprived area of Manchester. It is delivered in partnership with the charity The Oasis Centre, who run a drop in community centre and other services in the area. We would like to hear from applicants who may be interested in hosting a workshop for GNCCF LIVE.  Workshops should be no more than 1.5 hours and be aimed as if the participants are 8 years old. You will be paid for your time and materials.  As well as one off workshops, we are also will consider longer term and more ambitious projects delivered through consecutive workshops over a couple or more weeks. 

 

 

You will need to upload six images onto the online application form. Each image must be a maximum of 3MB. Should your images be larger than 3MB they will NOT upload. Image one should be square  (1000pixels x 1000pixels.) Digital images should be saved as a jpeg with the suffix (.jpeg) - please note images with the suffix .JPEG may not upload.

Image uploading can take a while depending on your broadband speed - do not refresh the page as this will stop the uploading process.

Please note we cannot accept TIF images.

Images should be of the work you intend to exhibit and be no more than 3 years old.

All images MUST be cleared for non-exclusive copyright so we can use them for publicity and promotion. (Please refer to the terms and conditions).

LABELLING YOUR IMAGES: it is very important you label you images as follows, otherwise we may not be able to use your images for press and publicity.

Image 1 MUST BE SQUARE

Image one will be the image published in the show catalogue and the main image on your website entry. it will also be used for press.

This image must be  square and 300 dpi and jpeg. Please label this image on your upload as YOURNAMEIM1.JPEG (You will need to save the image as this before uploading it).

Image 2

Will be the second image on your website entry and will also be used for press. This needs to be 300dpi jpeg and saved as YOURNAMEIM2.JPEG (You will need to save the image as this before uploading it).

For your image to be more likely used by journalists it is useful to have an image of work on a plain background so it can be "cut out". Lifestyle shots can also work well.

Images 3-6 are additional images for selection. Images 3-6 can be either 72 or 300 dpi but must be under 3mb jpegs. Please label all these images on your upload as YOURNAMEIM3/4/5/6.JPEG, again you will need to save your images as this before you upload. Please note should we wish to use images 2-6 for publicity we will contact you for higher res copies.

SOME TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMAGES:

Is your image sharp and in focus? A poor quality image can be a reason for not being selected. Make sure the image isn't too dark or light; don’t photograph light coloured work against a light background or dark against dark. Work is judged on quality and consistency. Do your images form a consistent body of work? You may wish to show close up of detail, especially for textiles.

It's worth investing in good photography. Bad photographs can mean your work gets rejected. Good photographs get used in promotional materials and press releases.

• The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, Newcastle  & Sheffield are managed by Great Northern Events NW Ltd, a not for profit company registered in England, Company
  Reg No 6419531.
  Great Northern Events NW Ltd
  12 Osborne St, Didsbury, M20 2QZ
• www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• In case of problems with submitting your payment please phone Ann-Marie Franey on  0044 (0) 7973 574735 or email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• The application fee and stand deposit are non refundable. Please refer to our terms and conditions for our payment terms and refund of stand fees policy should you withdraw you application once you have accepted your space at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.
• All transactions are processed through PayPal and are secure.

Terms & Conditions

In these Terms & Conditions the following definitions are: Organiser refers to Great Northern Events (NW) Ltd. Exhibitors refers to any persons selected to participate at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield..

• Exhibitors must keep their stands open and attended by knowledgeable staff throughout the period of the event and wherever possible this should be the designer-maker.
• Exhibitors may not sub-let space within the area allocated to them.
• The organiser reserves the right to move stands and relocate space previously notified to exhibitors and to cancel and/or amend the event if required by circumstances outside their control.
• Exhibitors must not display goods of an inflammable, noxious or obscene nature. Fabrics used on stands for display purposes must be fireproofed. The organiser will remove any such unsuitable material from the event.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage caused to the panels, flooring or stand fittings.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage they cause to the event building/structure.
• Exhibitors may not move or install any lighting or electrical appliances without the written approval of the organiser. Any lighting or electrical appliance not supplied by the electrical contractor must be approved and PAT tested by either a qualified electrician in advance of the show for which proof may be required or on site by the contractor.  This will incur an additional cost as detailed in the exhibitor manual.
• The organiser accepts no liability for the loss or damage to exhibitors' work, neither during the event, nor during setting-up or dismantling. Exhibitors are responsible for displaying their work securely to shelving and walls. Insurance is the responsibility of the individual exhibitor and the exhibitors must insure they are covered for all eventualities (including public liability insurance). 
• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package  for each show must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Tuesday 30th April 2019. Once paid this acceptance payment will not be refunded. 
• For GNCCF Sheffield, a final installment of the outstanding balance must be received by Friday 31st May 2019. 
• For GNCCF Manchester a second installment of 50% of the outstanding balance must be received by Friday 31st May 2019 and the final installment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Wednesday 31st July 2019. 
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after accepting space are liable to pay 50% of their exhibition package fees. For GNCCF Sheffield, exhibitors who cancel on or after Friday 14th June 2019 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package. For GNCCF Manchester, exhibitors who cancel on or after Tuesday 10th September 2019 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.
• The organiser reserves the right to withdraw their offer of space from any exhibitors owing monies to the organiser on any account. 
• All exhibitors should give full cooperation to the organisers and/or appointed publicity contractor in attempting to achieve coverage and promotion for the event
• The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation.
• If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.
• Any agreements entered into by the exhibitor and an external contractor or supplier at the event, are the responsibility of the exhibitor and the organiser cannot accept liability for claims resulting from the failure of any of its contractors or suppliers to deliver goods or services.
• Whilst the organiser takes every effort to ensure that exhibitors contact details are correct in the promotional material for the event, the organiser cannot accept responsibility for any errors printed therein and the organiser shall have no liability to exhibitors for any claims resulting from such errors.
• In consideration of the organisers assisting exhibitors in promoting their work, exhibitors must agree to grant the organisers a non exclusive copyright licence for any promotional materials supplied to the organiser and/or its appointed publicity contractor, for the purpose of promoting and publicising their work and the event. In granting this licence exhibitors should be aware that the promotions may include the use of these materials on the internet and that images supplied may be scanned and held digitally for this purpose. The copyright is and will continue to be beneficially and solely owned by the exhibitor, who must ensure that it does not and will not infringe on any other copyright and that no information contained in the materials is or shall be inaccurate, misleading or injurious.