Victoria Baths will be reopening its doors for the first time in over six months as it welcomes visitors to its Festive Winter Fair.  Taking place over two weekends (Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November and Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November), the vast spaces of this Grade II* listed building make it perfect for a winter fair 2020-style. 

Entrance Hall at Victoria Baths

Opening each day from 10.30am to 4.30pm the Festive Winter Fair will feature up to 30 stalls selling a fantastic variety of art, jewellery, ceramics, homewares and festive decorations.  Handpicked by Victoria Baths’ Events Team, it will feature high-quality makers from the Manchester area and Victoria Baths’ own stall will have everything from stocking fillers to fine art, all inspired by the building and its history.

The Festive Winter Fair is just in time for those finalising their Christmas lists.  It gives everyone the chance to “shop local” and support independent creative traders at the end of what’s been a very tough year for small businesses. For added festive cheer, mulled wine and mince pies will be amongst the treats on offer in the Tea Room, where visitors will enjoy a warm welcome from the Baths’ team of award-winning volunteers. 

Elizabeth Sibbering, Operations Manager at Victoria Baths, says, “We’re delighted to be opening our doors again, for what has to be one of our favourite events of the year. The beautiful tiles and stained glass found throughout the building make a really stunning backdrop to all the maker’s stalls.  There’s lots of spaces for people to explore – including the Turkish Baths suite and two of the former swimming pools, despite some areas needing to be closed for Covid safety reasons – and we aren’t dependent upon the weather.

“Victoria Baths is incredibly lucky to have had such amazing support over the years, from those who campaigned to save this building right through to those who’ve helped us to face the many challenges of 2020. This event will be an opportunity for those who love Victoria Baths as much as we do to enjoy spending some time in one of Manchester’s favourite buildings.”

Timed entry tickets, capped visitor numbers, signposted one-way routes, hand sanitiser stations, friendly volunteer ushers and more will all ensure a relaxed and safe visitor experience.  The Festive Winter Fair at Victoria Baths takes place on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November and Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November.  To book visit www.vbfestivefair.eventbrite.co.uk

All the money raised from Victoria Baths’ events helps to keep this beautiful building open for everyone to enjoy. For further information on Victoria Baths visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk